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The United States has levied restrictions on a group of four individuals and four companies charged of hiring Colombian mercenaries to support and educate a militia force in Sudan that Washington accuses of committing genocide.

Network Composition

Disclosing the restrictions on this week, the American treasury stated the scheme was largely composed of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Numerous of retired Colombian troops have reportedly travelled to the conflict in Sudan to fight alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a force implicated in terrible atrocities such as targeted ethnic killings and widespread kidnappings.

Discovery of Participation

The role of these mercenaries was first uncovered last year, following an report which disclosed that hundreds of retired troops had been contracted to participate in the war – an event that prompted an unusual statement of regret from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

Colombian ex-soldiers have widely regarded as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their considerable warzone knowledge acquired during a long-running domestic war, knowledge of Western military gear, and elite military instruction.

Reported Actions

In the conflict, the mercenaries 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 "horrific and irrational" but noted that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Named Entities

Among those targeted was a dual national, a dual Colombian-Italian national and ex-soldier located in the United Arab Emirates. The US authorities alleged he played a pivotal function in enlisting and transporting ex-military personnel to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Oliveros, was penalized as well.

Also on the sanctions list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual national who authorities say managed a business accused of managing finances and payments for the scheme. "In 2024 and 2025, US-based firms associated with Duque engaged in multiple financial transactions, worth millions," the official announcement stated.

Individual Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the fourth individual to be sanctioned, with the entity she oversaw accused of financial transactions linked to Duque and his operations.

"The United States again calls on external actors to stop giving financial and military support to the warring parties," the agency said in a statement.

Reaction

A senior analyst, from a conflict think tank, labeled the sanctions as a "highly important" development, stating that "targeting the enablers is the proper strategy".

She added that, Bogotá has enacted a law approving the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, designed to limit years of participation by its nationals in international fights and transform its security approach.

A mercenary specialist, a scholar on the subject, urged more caution, noting that "restrictions are needed but not enough for dealing with widespread use of contractors".

"This is a shadow economy and based out of the Emirates, which is difficult to penalize," he stated. The United Arab Emirates has been widely accused of arming the RSF, allegations it disputes. "This trend will probably continue," the expert cautioned.