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The Washington has imposed sanctions on a network of four people and four firms charged of recruiting Colombian mercenaries to combat alongside and instruct a Sudanese paramilitary group the United States claims of genocidal acts.

Group Makeup

Disclosing the restrictions on Tuesday, the American treasury stated the network was primarily made up of Colombian citizens and firms.

Scores of retired Colombian troops have reportedly travelled to Sudan to operate with the RSF paramilitary group, a force linked to horrific war crimes including massacres based on ethnicity and widespread kidnappings.

Emergence of Involvement

The involvement of Colombian fighters first came to light in 2024, prompted by an investigation which disclosed that hundreds of ex-military personnel had been recruited to participate in the war – an event that prompted an rare mea culpa from officials in Bogotá.

Colombian ex-soldiers have historically been seen as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their considerable warzone knowledge acquired during years of internal conflict, training on Western military gear, and superior tactical education.

Activities in Sudan

In Sudan, the contractors have been accused of teaching child soldiers, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and participated in direct battles. One source was quoted as saying that working with child soldiers was "terrible and insane" but noted that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those sanctioned was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a dual Colombian-Italian national and retired Colombian military officer operating from the UAE. The government alleged he played a central role in hiring and sending ex-military personnel to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Oliveros, was also sanctioned.

Also on the penalty list was Mateo Duque Botero, a individual with Colombian and Spanish citizenship who officials alleged ran a firm implicated in handling funds and payroll for the network. "In 2024 and 2025, companies in the United States associated with Duque engaged in multiple financial transactions, worth millions," the official announcement said.

Individual Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the other individual to be penalized, with the entity she oversaw alleged to have financial transactions connected to Duque and his businesses.

"Washington reiterates its demand for external actors to cease providing monetary and weaponry aid to the belligerents," the department announced.

Analyst Commentary

An expert, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, labeled the actions as a "highly important" milestone, stating that "targeting the enablers is the proper strategy".

It was also noted that, Bogotá recently passed a law approving the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, seeking to reduce decades of Colombian involvement in foreign conflicts and reshape its security approach.

Another expert, a scholar on the subject, urged more caution, noting that "restrictions are needed but not enough for combating widespread use of contractors".

"It’s an illicit economy and based out of the UAE, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he stated. The Emirati government has been frequently alleged of arming the RSF, an accusation it has denied. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," the expert cautioned.