🔗 Share this article

The United States has levied restrictions on a operation of several persons and entities charged of enlisting former Colombian soldiers to support and educate a militia force in Sudan which the US alleges of committing genocide.

Operation Structure

Disclosing the sanctions on Tuesday, the Treasury stated the scheme was mostly comprised of Colombian citizens and firms.

Scores of ex-soldiers from Colombia have been recruited to go to Sudan to combat beside the RSF paramilitary group, a force linked to horrific war crimes such as targeted ethnic killings and widespread kidnappings.

Discovery of Participation

The involvement of Colombian fighters was first uncovered the previous year, following an investigation which found that more than 300 ex-military personnel had been recruited to engage in combat – an event that resulted in an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government.

These South American veterans have historically been seen as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their considerable warzone knowledge resulting from decades of civil war, familiarity with Western military gear, and elite military instruction.

Reported Actions

In the Sudanese theater, the contractors have been accused of teaching child soldiers, provided drone warfare training, and engaged in frontline combat. One source previously stated that working with child soldiers was "terrible and insane" but added that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those penalized was a dual national, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and ex-soldier operating from the United Arab Emirates. The government alleged he played a pivotal function in hiring and sending former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was penalized as well.

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 scheme. "In 2024 and 2025, US-based firms connected to Duque engaged in multiple financial transactions, amounting to millions," the government release noted.

Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz was the other individual to be targeted, with the firm she operated accused of wire transfers connected to Duque and his businesses.

"The US once more urges outside forces to halt the flow of financial and military support to the warring parties," the agency said in a statement.

Reaction

Elizabeth Dickinson, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, labeled the measures as a "highly important" milestone, stating that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the correct approach".

She added that, Colombia ratified a law ratifying the global treaty against mercenarism, seeking to reduce decades of Colombian involvement in international fights and change domestic defense strategy.

Another expert, an expert on mercenaries, advised additional measures, noting that "restrictions are needed but not enough for dealing with rampant mercenarism".

"This is a shadow economy and centered in Dubai, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he commented. The UAE has been widely accused of providing arms to the militia, claims it rejects. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," the expert cautioned.