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The US government has levied restrictions on a network of four individuals and four companies alleged of enlisting South American contractors to support and educate a militia force in Sudan which the US alleges of committing genocide.

Group Makeup

Revealing the measures on Tuesday, the Treasury stated the network was largely composed of Colombian nationals and companies.

Scores of former Colombian military personnel have been recruited to go to Sudan to fight alongside the Sudanese RSF militia, a force linked to severe violations such as ethnically targeted slaughter and large-scale abductions.

Revelation of Role

The role of these mercenaries initially emerged in 2024, after an investigation which disclosed that hundreds of ex-military personnel had been hired to participate in the war – an discovery that led to an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government.

Former Colombian military have historically been seen as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their vast combat experience resulting from decades of civil war, training on advanced weaponry, and superior tactical education.

Reported Actions

In the conflict, the Colombians have allegedly instructed child soldiers, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and engaged in frontline combat. A mercenary remarked that instructing minors was "terrible and insane" but commented that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those penalized was a retired Colombian officer, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and former army officer located in the UAE. The US authorities said he had a central role in enlisting and transporting ex-military personnel to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was penalized as well.

Also on the penalty list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual national who authorities say ran a firm accused of managing finances and payments for the scheme. "Recently, US-based firms linked to Duque conducted multiple financial transactions, totalling millions of US dollars," the government release stated.

Individual Mónica Muñoz was the fourth individual to be sanctioned, with the company she managed accused of financial transactions associated with Duque and his companies.

"The US once more urges foreign parties to stop giving funding and arms to the belligerents," the Treasury announced.

Reaction

An expert, from a conflict think tank, described the actions as a "very significant" step, saying that "targeting the enablers is the correct approach".

It was also noted that, the Colombian government ratified a law endorsing the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, aiming to curb its citizens' long history in international fights and reshape its security approach.

Sean McFate, a authority on private military contractors, 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 UAE, which is relatively sanction-proof," he said. The Emirati government has been frequently alleged of arming the RSF, claims it rejects. "This trend will probably continue," he advised.