🔗 Share this article

The Washington has imposed sanctions on a network of several persons and entities alleged of recruiting South American contractors to combat alongside and instruct a armed faction in Sudan the United States claims of committing genocide.

Operation Structure

Announcing the sanctions on this week, the Treasury stated the network was primarily made up of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Numerous of ex-soldiers from Colombia have allegedly journeyed to Sudan to fight alongside the Sudanese RSF militia, a faction accused of horrific war crimes encompassing ethnically targeted slaughter and widespread kidnappings.

Emergence of Involvement

The role of these mercenaries was first uncovered in 2024, following an investigation which disclosed that hundreds of retired troops had been hired to fight – an revelation that resulted in an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government.

Former Colombian military have historically been seen as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their vast combat experience gleaned from decades of civil war, training on Western military gear, and elite military instruction.

Reported Actions

In the conflict, the Colombians have been accused of teaching minors, taught fighters to pilot drones, and engaged in frontline combat. An individual involved previously stated that instructing minors was "horrific and irrational" but commented that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those sanctioned was a dual national, a individual with dual citizenship and ex-soldier based in the UAE. The US authorities said he had a key part in hiring and sending former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Oliveros, was also sanctioned.

Also on the sanctions list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who the Treasury stated managed a business accused of handling funds and payroll for the network. "In 2024 and 2025, US-based firms associated with Duque carried out numerous wire transfers, worth millions," the Treasury statement noted.

Individual Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the other individual to be sanctioned, with the entity she oversaw alleged to have wire transfers linked to Duque and his companies.

"Washington reiterates its demand for foreign parties to halt the flow of monetary and weaponry aid to the warring parties," the agency announced.

Expert Analysis

A senior analyst, from a conflict think tank, described the measures as a "very significant" milestone, saying that "targeting the enablers is the right way to go".

Furthermore, the Colombian government ratified a law ratifying the anti-mercenary convention, designed to limit years of participation by its nationals in foreign conflicts and transform domestic defense strategy.

Sean McFate, an expert on mercenaries, called for greater wariness, stating that "restrictions are needed but not enough for addressing the growing mercenary trade".

"It operates in the black market and centered in the Emirates, which is difficult to penalize," he stated. The Emirati government has been frequently alleged of supplying weapons to the paramilitary group, allegations it disputes. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," the expert cautioned.