🔗 Share this article

The US government has levied restrictions on a operation of four individuals and four companies alleged of hiring South American contractors to fight for and train a armed faction in Sudan the United States claims of committing genocide.

Network Composition

Disclosing the measures on this week, the US Treasury Department stated the network was largely composed of Colombian nationals and companies.

Hundreds of ex-soldiers from Colombia have been recruited to go to the Sudanese warzone to combat beside the Sudanese RSF militia, a group linked to horrific war crimes including massacres based on ethnicity and widespread kidnappings.

Revelation of Role

The participation of ex-soldiers was first uncovered last year, after an investigation which disclosed that hundreds of ex-military personnel had been hired to fight – an discovery that resulted in an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government.

These South American veterans have widely regarded as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their vast combat experience acquired during decades of civil war, familiarity with Nato equipment, and high-level combat training.

Role in the Conflict

In Sudan, the Colombians have been accused of teaching child soldiers, taught fighters to pilot drones, and fought directly on the frontlines. A mercenary was quoted as saying that instructing minors was "terrible and insane" but commented that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Targeted Persons

Among those targeted was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a individual with dual citizenship and retired Colombian military officer operating from the Dubai. The Treasury alleged he played a key part in enlisting and transporting mercenaries to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was similarly targeted.

Also on the restricted list was Mateo Duque Botero, a individual with Colombian and Spanish citizenship who the Treasury stated oversaw a company implicated in processing money and salaries for the scheme. "In 2024 and 2025, American entities linked to Duque conducted several money transfers, amounting to millions," the Treasury statement noted.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz was the final person to be penalized, with the entity she oversaw accused of money transfers associated with Duque and his companies.

"The United States again calls on foreign parties to cease providing monetary and weaponry aid to the warring parties," the department said in a statement.

Analyst Commentary

An expert, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, described the actions as a "major" development, saying that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the right way to go".

It was also noted that, Bogotá ratified a law ratifying the anti-mercenary convention, seeking to reduce its citizens' long history in overseas wars and transform national security policy.

Sean McFate, a authority on private military contractors, advised additional measures, noting that "restrictions are needed but not enough for dealing with widespread use of contractors".

"It operates in the black market and centered in the UAE, which is difficult to penalize," he said. The UAE has been frequently alleged of arming the RSF, an accusation it has denied. "This trend will probably continue," McFate warned.