🔗 Share this article

The US government has enforced penalties on a network of four people and four firms alleged of hiring former Colombian soldiers to support and educate a armed faction in Sudan which the US alleges of committing genocide.

Group Makeup

Revealing the sanctions on this week, the US Treasury Department stated the operation was primarily made up of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Scores of ex-soldiers from Colombia have allegedly journeyed to Sudan to fight alongside the Sudanese RSF militia, a group accused of horrific war crimes such as targeted ethnic killings and widespread kidnappings.

Revelation of Role

The involvement of Colombian fighters was first uncovered in 2024, after an investigation which revealed that hundreds of ex-military personnel had been contracted to engage in combat – an event that prompted an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government.

These South American veterans have long been considered as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their considerable warzone knowledge gleaned from a long-running domestic war, familiarity with advanced weaponry, and superior tactical education.

Activities in Sudan

In the Sudanese theater, the mercenaries have allegedly instructed underage fighters, provided drone warfare training, and participated in direct battles. An individual involved was quoted as saying that instructing minors was "awful and crazy" but noted that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Targeted Persons

Among those penalized was a retired Colombian officer, a dual Colombian-Italian national and former army officer based in the UAE. The government said he had a key part in hiring and sending ex-military personnel to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was similarly targeted.

Also on the sanctions list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual national who authorities say managed a business implicated in managing finances and payments for the scheme. "In 2024 and 2025, US-based firms linked to Duque conducted numerous wire transfers, amounting to millions," the official announcement said.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the final person to be sanctioned, with the firm she operated accused of financial transactions linked to Duque and his companies.

"The US once more urges external actors to cease providing financial and military support to the combatants," the agency stated.

Analyst Commentary

Elizabeth Dickinson, with the International Crisis Group, called the actions as a "highly important" step, noting that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the proper strategy".

She added that, Colombia has enacted a piece of legislation approving the global treaty against mercenarism, aiming to curb decades of Colombian involvement in foreign conflicts and reshape national security policy.

A mercenary specialist, a scholar on the subject, urged more caution, noting that "penalties are required yet incomplete for combating widespread use of contractors".

"This is a shadow economy and centered in the Emirates, which is difficult to penalize," he said. The United Arab Emirates has been frequently alleged of supplying weapons to the paramilitary group, allegations it disputes. "This trend will probably continue," he advised.