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The Washington has enforced penalties on a group of four people and four firms alleged of enlisting South American contractors to combat alongside and instruct a Sudanese paramilitary group that Washington accuses of genocidal acts.

Network Composition

Disclosing the restrictions on Tuesday, the US Treasury Department stated the scheme was largely composed of Colombian nationals and companies.

Hundreds of former Colombian military personnel have allegedly journeyed to Sudan to operate with the Sudanese RSF militia, a faction implicated in severe violations including targeted ethnic killings and widespread kidnappings.

Revelation of Role

The role of these mercenaries initially emerged the previous year, following an report which revealed that over three hundred retired troops had been recruited to participate in the war – an event that led to an unusual statement of regret from officials in Bogotá.

These South American veterans have historically been seen as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their considerable warzone knowledge gleaned from decades of civil war, knowledge of Nato equipment, and high-level combat training.

Role in the Conflict

In Sudan, the contractors have been accused of teaching minors, taught fighters to pilot drones, and engaged in frontline combat. One source remarked that working with child soldiers was "awful and crazy" but commented that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Targeted Persons

Among those targeted was a dual national, a individual with dual citizenship and ex-soldier located in the UAE. The Treasury said he had a central role in enlisting and transporting ex-military personnel to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was penalized as well.

Also on the restricted list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who the Treasury stated ran a firm accused of processing money and salaries for the network. "In 2024 and 2025, American entities connected to Duque carried out multiple financial transactions, totalling millions of US dollars," the official announcement noted.

Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the fourth individual to be sanctioned, with the company she managed alleged to have money transfers associated with Duque and his businesses.

"Washington reiterates its demand for outside forces to stop giving funding and arms to the warring parties," the department announced.

Expert Analysis

A senior analyst, with the International Crisis Group, called the actions as a "very significant" milestone, stating that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the proper strategy".

She added that, Colombia has enacted a law endorsing the global treaty against mercenarism, seeking to reduce years of participation by its nationals in overseas wars and reshape its security approach.

Sean McFate, an expert on mercenaries, urged more caution, stating that "restrictions are needed but not enough for dealing with rampant mercenarism".

"This is a shadow economy and centered in the Emirates, which is difficult to penalize," he said. The UAE has been repeatedly implicated of providing arms to the militia, allegations it disputes. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," McFate warned.