The US government has imposed sanctions on a network of several persons and entities charged of enlisting South American contractors to combat alongside and instruct a Sudanese paramilitary group which the US alleges of acts of genocide.
Disclosing the sanctions on this week, the American treasury stated the scheme was largely composed of Colombian citizens and firms.
Scores of ex-soldiers from Colombia have reportedly travelled to the Sudanese warzone to combat beside the RSF paramilitary group, a faction accused of terrible atrocities such as massacres based on ethnicity and mass abductions.
The participation of ex-soldiers first came to light in 2024, prompted by an investigation which disclosed that hundreds of ex-military personnel had been contracted to fight – an discovery that led to an unprecedented apology from the Colombian government.
Colombian ex-soldiers have long been considered as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their vast combat experience acquired during years of internal conflict, knowledge of Nato equipment, and elite military instruction.
In Sudan, the mercenaries have allegedly instructed underage fighters, provided drone warfare training, and engaged in frontline combat. One source remarked that instructing minors was "horrific and irrational" but added that "unfortunately that’s how war is".
Among those targeted was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a individual with dual citizenship and ex-soldier based in the United Arab Emirates. The government said he had a central role in hiring and sending former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Oliveros, was similarly targeted.
Also on the penalty list was Duque Botero, a dual national who authorities say oversaw a company implicated in handling funds and payroll for the network. "Recently, companies in the United States connected to Duque conducted multiple financial transactions, worth millions," the Treasury statement stated.
Individual Mónica Muñoz was the fourth individual to be targeted, with the company she managed alleged to have money transfers linked to Duque and his operations.
"The United States again calls on outside forces to stop giving funding and arms to the belligerents," the Treasury stated.
A senior analyst, with the International Crisis Group, described the measures as a "highly important" step, noting that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the proper strategy".
She added that, Colombia recently passed a piece of legislation approving the global treaty against mercenarism, aiming to curb decades of Colombian involvement in foreign conflicts and change domestic defense strategy.
Another expert, a scholar on the subject, advised additional measures, stating that "restrictions are needed but not enough for addressing rampant mercenarism".
"It operates in the black market and based out of the Emirates, which is difficult to penalize," he commented. The Emirati government has been frequently alleged of arming the RSF, claims it rejects. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," the expert cautioned.
Maya is a seasoned travel writer with a passion for uncovering exclusive destinations and sharing practical tips for luxury travelers.
