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The Washington has enforced penalties on a group of several persons and entities accused of hiring South American contractors to support and educate a militia force in Sudan which the US alleges of committing genocide.

Network Composition

Revealing the sanctions on this week, the US Treasury Department stated the scheme was largely composed of Colombian nationals and companies.

Numerous of retired Colombian troops have allegedly journeyed to Sudan to operate with the Sudanese RSF militia, a faction accused of severe violations including targeted ethnic killings and widespread kidnappings.

Discovery of Participation

The role of these mercenaries was first uncovered the previous year, following an investigation which disclosed that over three hundred ex-military personnel had been contracted to participate in the war – an discovery that prompted an unprecedented apology from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

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 elite military instruction.

Activities in Sudan

In Sudan, the mercenaries have allegedly instructed underage fighters, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and fought directly on the frontlines. One source was quoted as saying that working with child soldiers was "terrible and insane" but noted that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Targeted Persons

Among those penalized was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a individual with dual citizenship and former army officer based in the UAE. The government accused him a key part in recruiting and deploying mercenaries to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was also sanctioned.

Also on the penalty list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual national who officials alleged ran a firm implicated in processing money and salaries for the scheme. "In 2024 and 2025, US-based firms connected to Duque engaged in multiple financial transactions, worth millions," the official announcement noted.

Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the final person to be penalized, with the firm she operated alleged to have money transfers connected to Duque and his operations.

"The United States again calls on foreign parties to stop giving monetary and weaponry aid to the warring parties," the Treasury said in a statement.

Expert Analysis

A senior analyst, from a conflict think tank, labeled the measures as a "highly important" development, saying that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the right way to go".

It was also noted that, Colombia ratified a piece of legislation approving the global treaty against mercenarism, seeking to reduce years of participation by its nationals in international fights and change domestic defense strategy.

Another expert, a scholar on the subject, urged more caution, stating that "penalties are required yet incomplete for addressing the growing mercenary trade".

"It’s an illicit economy and operating from the UAE, which is relatively sanction-proof," he said. The United Arab Emirates has been widely accused of arming the RSF, allegations it disputes. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," he advised.