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The United States has imposed sanctions on a group of several persons and entities alleged of enlisting South American contractors to fight for and train a Sudanese paramilitary group that Washington accuses of genocidal acts.

Operation Structure

Disclosing the restrictions on this week, the American treasury stated the operation was largely composed of Colombian citizens and firms.

Numerous of ex-soldiers from Colombia have reportedly travelled to the Sudanese warzone to fight alongside the RSF paramilitary group, a force implicated in severe violations including targeted ethnic killings and mass abductions.

Revelation of Role

The role of these mercenaries first came to light in 2024, after an report which disclosed that hundreds of ex-military personnel had been hired to participate in the war – an revelation that prompted an unprecedented apology from the Colombian government.

Former Colombian military have historically been seen as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their considerable warzone knowledge resulting from years of internal conflict, familiarity with Nato equipment, and high-level combat training.

Reported Actions

In the conflict, the mercenaries have allegedly instructed child soldiers, provided drone warfare training, and engaged in frontline combat. One source was quoted as saying that working with child soldiers was "terrible and insane" but noted that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Targeted Persons

Among those targeted was a dual national, a dual Colombian-Italian national and ex-soldier operating from the Dubai. The US authorities said he had a central role in enlisting and transporting former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Oliveros, was also sanctioned.

Also on the sanctions list was Duque Botero, a dual national who officials alleged managed a business accused of managing finances and payments for the recruitment operation. "Over the past two years, US-based firms connected to Duque conducted several money transfers, worth millions," the official announcement stated.

Individual Mónica Muñoz was the final person to be sanctioned, with the company she managed alleged to have money transfers linked to Duque and his operations.

"The US once more urges external actors to cease providing funding and arms to the combatants," the department announced.

Expert Analysis

A senior analyst, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, described the sanctions as a "very significant" development, noting that "identifying the recruiters is the right way to go".

Furthermore, the Colombian government ratified a statute approving the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, seeking to reduce its citizens' long history in international fights and transform domestic defense strategy.

Sean McFate, a authority on private military contractors, called for greater wariness, saying that "penalties are required yet incomplete for combating widespread use of contractors".

"It operates in the black market and based out of Dubai, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he said. The UAE has been repeatedly implicated of arming the RSF, allegations it disputes. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," he advised.