🔗 Share this article

The Washington has enforced penalties on a network of four individuals and four companies charged of hiring Colombian mercenaries to combat alongside and instruct a armed faction in Sudan that Washington accuses of genocidal acts.

Network Composition

Disclosing the restrictions on Tuesday, the American treasury stated the operation was largely composed of Colombian nationals and companies.

Numerous of retired Colombian troops have reportedly travelled to the conflict in Sudan to fight alongside the Sudanese RSF militia, a force accused of horrific war crimes such as targeted ethnic killings and mass abductions.

Revelation of Role

The role of these mercenaries initially emerged last year, after an investigation which disclosed that over three hundred ex-military personnel had been recruited to fight – an revelation that led to an unusual statement of regret from officials in Bogotá.

These South American veterans have historically been seen as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their extensive battlefield experience gleaned from decades of civil war, knowledge of Nato equipment, and superior tactical education.

Activities in Sudan

In the conflict, the mercenaries have reportedly trained minors, provided drone warfare training, and engaged in frontline combat. One source was quoted as saying that training children was "terrible and insane" but added that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those targeted was a retired Colombian officer, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and former army officer based in the UAE. The US authorities alleged he played a central role in hiring and sending ex-military personnel to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was similarly targeted.

Also on the penalty list was Mateo Duque Botero, a individual with Colombian and Spanish citizenship who officials alleged managed a business implicated in processing money and salaries for the scheme. "In 2024 and 2025, American entities linked to Duque engaged in multiple financial transactions, amounting to millions," the government release stated.

Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz was the other individual to be penalized, with the firm she operated accused of financial transactions linked to Duque and his businesses.

"The United States again calls on foreign parties to stop giving funding and arms to the warring parties," the Treasury announced.

Reaction

An expert, from a conflict think tank, called the actions as a "very significant" step, saying that "targeting the enablers is the correct approach".

Furthermore, the Colombian government ratified a piece of legislation approving the global treaty against mercenarism, aiming to curb years of participation by its nationals in overseas wars and change domestic defense strategy.

Another expert, a authority on private military contractors, advised additional measures, saying that "penalties are required yet incomplete for dealing with rampant mercenarism".

"It’s an illicit economy and operating from the UAE, which is relatively sanction-proof," he stated. The UAE has been frequently alleged of providing arms to the militia, allegations it disputes. "More contractors from Colombia are likely," McFate warned.