🔗 Share this article

The United States has levied restrictions on a network of four people and four firms charged of hiring Colombian mercenaries to fight for and train a militia force in Sudan which the US alleges of committing genocide.

Network Composition

Disclosing the sanctions on this week, the American treasury stated the operation was mostly comprised of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Numerous of retired Colombian troops have reportedly travelled to the conflict in Sudan to fight alongside the Sudanese RSF militia, a group accused of severe violations encompassing targeted ethnic killings and large-scale abductions.

Revelation of Role

The involvement of Colombian fighters first came to light in 2024, following an investigation which disclosed that over three hundred ex-military personnel had been recruited to fight – an discovery that prompted an unusual statement of regret from officials in Bogotá.

These South American veterans have long been considered as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their vast combat experience resulting from a long-running domestic war, familiarity with advanced weaponry, and elite military instruction.

Activities in Sudan

In the Sudanese theater, the mercenaries have reportedly trained child soldiers, provided drone warfare training, and engaged in frontline combat. One source was quoted as saying that training children was "awful and crazy" but commented that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those sanctioned was a dual national, a dual Colombian-Italian national and ex-soldier located in the United Arab Emirates. The government accused him a central role in hiring and sending ex-military personnel to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was also sanctioned.

Also on the restricted list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual national who officials alleged oversaw a company implicated in processing money and salaries for the network. "In 2024 and 2025, companies in the United States connected to Duque conducted several money transfers, totalling millions of US dollars," the government release noted.

Individual Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the final person to be targeted, with the company she managed said to have conducted money transfers associated with Duque and his companies.

"The United States again calls on external actors to cease providing funding and arms to the warring parties," the Treasury said in a statement.

Analyst Commentary

Elizabeth Dickinson, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, called the sanctions as a "highly important" step, saying that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the correct approach".

It was also noted that, Colombia recently passed a law ratifying the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, seeking to reduce its citizens' long history in foreign conflicts and change national security policy.

Sean McFate, a authority on private military contractors, advised additional measures, stating that "restrictions are needed but not enough for combating widespread use of contractors".

"This is a shadow economy and based out of Dubai, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he commented. The United Arab Emirates has been widely accused of arming the RSF, allegations it disputes. "This trend will probably continue," the expert cautioned.