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The US government has levied restrictions on a group of four individuals and four companies alleged of enlisting former Colombian soldiers to combat alongside and instruct a armed faction in Sudan the United States claims of acts of genocide.

Network Composition

Announcing the restrictions on this week, the Treasury stated the network was largely composed of Colombian nationals and companies.

Numerous of retired Colombian troops have allegedly journeyed to Sudan to operate with the RSF paramilitary group, a faction implicated in severe violations including targeted ethnic killings and large-scale abductions.

Discovery of Participation

The participation of ex-soldiers was first uncovered in 2024, following an report which revealed that over three hundred ex-military personnel had been recruited to engage in combat – an revelation that resulted in an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government.

Former Colombian military have historically been seen as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their considerable warzone knowledge acquired during years of internal conflict, training on Nato equipment, and elite military instruction.

Activities in Sudan

In Sudan, the mercenaries have been accused of teaching minors, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and participated in direct battles. One source previously stated that instructing minors was "awful and crazy" but noted that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Targeted Persons

Among those sanctioned was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and ex-soldier operating from the United Arab Emirates. The government accused him a pivotal function in enlisting and transporting former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was similarly targeted.

Also on the restricted list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who authorities say managed a business implicated in managing finances and payments for the recruitment operation. "Recently, US-based firms linked to Duque conducted numerous wire transfers, totalling millions of US dollars," the official announcement stated.

Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the final person to be penalized, with the firm she operated accused of wire transfers connected to Duque and his companies.

"Washington reiterates its demand for outside forces to halt the flow of funding and arms to the combatants," the department said in a statement.

Analyst Commentary

Elizabeth Dickinson, with the International Crisis Group, described the measures as a "highly important" development, stating that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the correct approach".

It was also noted that, Bogotá ratified a statute ratifying the global treaty against mercenarism, aiming to curb decades of Colombian involvement in overseas wars and transform its security approach.

Another expert, a scholar on the subject, advised additional measures, stating that "restrictions are needed but not enough for addressing rampant mercenarism".

"This is a shadow economy and operating from the Emirates, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he said. The UAE has been frequently alleged of supplying weapons to the paramilitary group, claims it rejects. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," he advised.