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The United States has imposed sanctions on a group of four people and four firms alleged of hiring South American contractors to combat alongside and instruct a armed faction in Sudan which the US alleges of genocidal acts.

Group Makeup

Revealing the measures on Tuesday, the American treasury stated the scheme was largely composed of Colombian nationals and companies.

Numerous of former Colombian military personnel have reportedly travelled to the Sudanese warzone to operate with the Sudanese RSF militia, a faction linked to horrific war crimes such as ethnically targeted slaughter and widespread kidnappings.

Revelation of Role

The role of these mercenaries initially emerged in 2024, after an report which found that hundreds of ex-military personnel had been contracted to engage in combat – an discovery that led to an unusual statement of regret from officials in Bogotá.

These South American veterans have long been considered as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their extensive battlefield experience gleaned from decades of civil war, knowledge of advanced weaponry, and superior tactical education.

Role in the Conflict

In the conflict, the mercenaries have been accused of teaching minors, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and participated in direct battles. An individual involved was quoted as saying that training children was "horrific and irrational" but noted that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those penalized was a retired Colombian officer, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and former army officer based in the Dubai. The government said he had a central role in recruiting and deploying former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Oliveros, was penalized as well.

Also on the restricted list was Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who officials alleged oversaw a company linked to handling funds and payroll for the network. "Recently, US-based firms associated with Duque conducted numerous wire transfers, worth millions," the Treasury statement said.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the fourth individual to be sanctioned, with the firm she operated alleged to have financial transactions associated with Duque and his businesses.

"The US once more urges outside forces to cease providing funding and arms to the warring parties," the agency said in a statement.

Reaction

A senior analyst, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, described the actions as a "very significant" development, noting that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the proper strategy".

She added that, Colombia ratified a statute endorsing the anti-mercenary convention, designed to limit decades of Colombian involvement in international fights and reshape national security policy.

A mercenary specialist, a scholar on the subject, advised additional measures, noting that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for dealing with widespread use of contractors".

"It operates in the black market and based out of the UAE, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he said. The United Arab Emirates has been widely accused of providing arms to the militia, an accusation it has denied. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," McFate warned.