🔗 Share this article

The United States has levied restrictions on a group of several persons and entities charged of hiring South American contractors to support and educate a armed faction in Sudan that Washington accuses of genocidal acts.

Operation Structure

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

Scores of retired Colombian troops have allegedly journeyed to the conflict in Sudan to combat beside the Sudanese RSF militia, a faction accused of severe violations encompassing ethnically targeted slaughter and widespread kidnappings.

Revelation of Role

The role of these mercenaries was first uncovered last year, following an inquiry which disclosed that over three hundred ex-military personnel had been hired to participate in the war – an event 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 considerable warzone knowledge resulting from a long-running domestic war, knowledge of Nato equipment, and high-level combat training.

Activities in Sudan

In the Sudanese theater, the Colombians have been accused of teaching underage fighters, provided drone warfare training, and participated in direct battles. One source was quoted as saying that instructing minors was "terrible and insane" but commented that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Targeted Persons

Among those penalized was a retired Colombian officer, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and ex-soldier operating from the Dubai. The US authorities said he had a central role in recruiting and deploying former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was also sanctioned.

Also on the penalty list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual national who officials alleged managed a business linked to managing finances and payments for the network. "In 2024 and 2025, companies in the United States linked to Duque carried out numerous wire transfers, amounting to millions," the government release stated.

Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the other individual to be sanctioned, with the company she managed accused of financial transactions linked to Duque and his businesses.

"The United States again calls on foreign parties to cease providing monetary and weaponry aid to the warring parties," the agency stated.

Analyst Commentary

Elizabeth Dickinson, from a conflict think tank, labeled the sanctions as a "very significant" development, stating that "identifying the recruiters is the proper strategy".

It was also noted that, Colombia ratified a law endorsing the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, seeking to reduce years of participation by its nationals in international fights and reshape national security policy.

A mercenary specialist, an expert on mercenaries, advised additional measures, noting that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for dealing with the growing mercenary trade".

"It’s an illicit economy and operating from the Emirates, which is relatively sanction-proof," he stated. The Emirati government has been widely accused of providing arms to the militia, an accusation it has denied. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," the expert cautioned.