🔗 Share this article

The Washington has levied restrictions on a network of four people and four firms accused of recruiting former Colombian soldiers to support and educate a militia force in Sudan which the US alleges of genocidal acts.

Group Makeup

Announcing the restrictions on Tuesday, the Treasury stated the operation was largely composed of Colombian citizens and firms.

Hundreds of former Colombian military personnel have reportedly travelled to the conflict in Sudan to combat beside the Sudanese RSF militia, a faction linked to terrible atrocities encompassing massacres based on ethnicity and widespread kidnappings.

Discovery of Participation

The involvement of Colombian fighters initially emerged in 2024, after an report which disclosed that over three hundred retired troops had been recruited to participate in the war – an discovery that resulted in an unprecedented apology from officials in Bogotá.

These South American veterans have long been considered as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their vast combat experience resulting from a long-running domestic war, familiarity with advanced weaponry, and superior tactical education.

Reported Actions

In the conflict, the Colombians have been accused of teaching child soldiers, provided drone warfare training, and participated in direct battles. One source was quoted as saying that working with child soldiers was "terrible and insane" but added that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those penalized was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and ex-soldier based in the Dubai. The government accused him a pivotal function in hiring and sending former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was also sanctioned.

Also on the sanctions list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who authorities say oversaw a company linked to handling funds and payroll for the scheme. "In 2024 and 2025, US-based firms connected to Duque engaged in several money transfers, worth millions," the official announcement stated.

Individual Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the final person to be penalized, with the company she managed alleged to have money transfers connected to Duque and his companies.

"Washington reiterates its demand for outside forces to cease providing funding and arms to the combatants," the Treasury said in a statement.

Reaction

A senior analyst, from a conflict think tank, described the sanctions as a "highly important" milestone, noting that "targeting the enablers is the correct approach".

It was also noted that, Colombia ratified a statute approving the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, seeking to reduce years of participation by its nationals in foreign conflicts and change domestic defense strategy.

A mercenary specialist, a authority on private military contractors, urged more caution, noting that "restrictions are needed but not enough for combating rampant mercenarism".

"It operates in the black market and operating from Dubai, which is difficult to penalize," he stated. The UAE has been frequently alleged of arming the RSF, claims it rejects. "This trend will probably continue," he advised.