🔗 Share this article

The United States has levied restrictions on a network of several persons and entities alleged of hiring Colombian mercenaries to support and educate a militia force in Sudan which the US alleges of genocidal acts.

Group Makeup

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

Hundreds of former Colombian military personnel have reportedly travelled to the Sudanese warzone to fight alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a faction accused of terrible atrocities encompassing targeted ethnic killings and mass abductions.

Emergence of Involvement

The role of these mercenaries initially emerged in 2024, following an investigation which revealed that more than 300 former soldiers had been hired to participate in the war – an event that led to an unusual statement of regret from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

Former Colombian military have historically been seen as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their vast combat experience acquired during a long-running domestic war, knowledge of Nato equipment, and superior tactical education.

Role in the Conflict

In Sudan, the Colombians have allegedly instructed minors, taught fighters to pilot drones, and engaged in frontline combat. One source was quoted as saying that working with child soldiers was "awful and crazy" but noted that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those sanctioned was a dual national, a individual with dual citizenship and former army officer operating from the United Arab Emirates. The US authorities said he had a key part in enlisting and transporting mercenaries to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was also sanctioned.

Also on the restricted list was Duque Botero, a individual with Colombian and Spanish citizenship who authorities say oversaw a company linked to managing finances and payments for the network. "In 2024 and 2025, US-based firms associated with Duque conducted several money transfers, worth millions," the government release stated.

Individual Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the other individual to be penalized, with the firm she operated alleged to have wire transfers associated with Duque and his operations.

"The United States again calls on outside forces to cease providing monetary and weaponry aid to the combatants," the department stated.

Analyst Commentary

A senior analyst, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, called the measures as a "major" milestone, stating that "identifying the recruiters is the correct approach".

Furthermore, Bogotá ratified a law endorsing the anti-mercenary convention, aiming to curb decades of Colombian involvement in overseas wars and reshape national security policy.

Sean McFate, a scholar on the subject, called for greater wariness, noting that "penalties are required yet incomplete for addressing the growing mercenary trade".

"It’s an illicit economy and operating from the UAE, which is difficult to penalize," he commented. The UAE has been frequently alleged of providing arms to the militia, allegations it disputes. "More contractors from Colombia are likely," he advised.