🔗 Share this article Washington Levies Restrictions on Network Accused of Funneling Colombian Contractors to the Sudanese Conflict. The United States has enforced penalties on a group of four people and four firms alleged of enlisting Colombian mercenaries to fight for and train a militia force in Sudan the United States claims of acts of genocide. Operation Structure Announcing the measures on this week, the Treasury stated the network was mostly comprised of individuals and businesses from Colombia. Scores of ex-soldiers from Colombia have reportedly travelled to the conflict in Sudan to operate with the Sudanese RSF militia, a force accused of horrific war crimes such as ethnically targeted slaughter and large-scale abductions. Emergence of Involvement The participation of ex-soldiers initially emerged in 2024, prompted by an report which disclosed that more than 300 retired troops had been contracted to fight – an discovery that led to an rare mea culpa from officials in Bogotá. Former Colombian military have widely regarded as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their vast combat experience acquired during years of internal conflict, knowledge of Western military gear, and high-level combat training. Role in the Conflict In Sudan, the Colombians have reportedly trained underage fighters, taught fighters to pilot drones, and participated in direct battles. An individual involved was quoted as saying that working with child soldiers was "awful and crazy" but commented that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict". Named Entities Among those targeted was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a individual with dual citizenship and former army officer based in the Dubai. The government alleged he played a central role in hiring and sending former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was penalized as well. Also on the restricted list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a individual with Colombian and Spanish citizenship who authorities say managed a business accused of processing money and salaries for the network. "Recently, companies in the United States associated with Duque engaged in multiple financial transactions, totalling millions of US dollars," the government release noted. Colombian national Mónica Muñoz was the final person to be penalized, with the firm she operated alleged to have wire transfers connected to Duque and his operations. "The United States again calls on external actors to cease providing monetary and weaponry aid to the combatants," the Treasury stated. Analyst Commentary A senior analyst, from a conflict think tank, described the actions as a "very significant" development, noting that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the correct approach". It was also noted that, Colombia has enacted a law ratifying the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, seeking to reduce years of participation by its nationals in international fights and reshape domestic defense strategy. Another expert, an expert on mercenaries, urged more caution, noting that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for addressing widespread use of contractors". "It operates in the black market 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, an accusation it has denied. "This trend will probably continue," McFate warned.