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The US government has enforced penalties on a network of four people and four firms alleged of enlisting former Colombian soldiers to support and educate a militia force in Sudan that Washington accuses of committing genocide.

Operation Structure

Disclosing the sanctions on this week, the American treasury stated the operation was primarily made up of Colombian nationals and companies.

Hundreds of retired Colombian troops have allegedly journeyed to the Sudanese warzone to combat beside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a force linked to horrific war crimes including targeted ethnic killings and large-scale abductions.

Revelation of Role

The involvement of Colombian fighters first came to light the previous year, following an report which revealed that hundreds of ex-military personnel had been hired to engage in combat – an event that led to an unprecedented apology from officials in Bogotá.

These South American veterans have historically been seen as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their vast combat experience gleaned from a long-running domestic war, training on Western military gear, and elite military instruction.

Role in the Conflict

In Sudan, the mercenaries have allegedly instructed child soldiers, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and participated in direct battles. One source previously stated that working with child soldiers was "terrible and insane" but commented that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Targeted Persons

Among those penalized was a dual national, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and retired Colombian military officer operating from the UAE. The Treasury said he had a pivotal function in enlisting and transporting ex-military personnel to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was penalized as well.

Also on the sanctions list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual national who the Treasury stated ran a firm linked to processing money and salaries for the scheme. "Recently, companies in the United States connected to Duque carried out several money transfers, worth millions," the official announcement noted.

Individual Mónica Muñoz was the other individual to be penalized, with the entity she oversaw alleged to have money transfers linked to Duque and his operations.

"The US once more urges outside forces to halt the flow of funding and arms to the combatants," the department announced.

Analyst Commentary

A senior analyst, from a conflict think tank, labeled the sanctions as a "highly important" step, noting that "targeting the enablers is the correct approach".

She added that, Colombia ratified a law ratifying the global treaty against mercenarism, seeking to reduce years of participation by its nationals in foreign conflicts and change its security approach.

Another expert, an expert on mercenaries, called for greater wariness, stating that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for dealing with the growing mercenary trade".

"This is a shadow economy and centered in the Emirates, which is difficult to penalize," he said. The UAE has been widely accused of supplying weapons to the paramilitary group, an accusation it has denied. "This trend will probably continue," McFate warned.