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The US government has enforced penalties on a group of four individuals and four companies accused of enlisting South American contractors to support and educate a Sudanese paramilitary group that Washington accuses of committing genocide.

Group Makeup

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

Numerous of retired Colombian troops have allegedly journeyed to the conflict in Sudan to combat beside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a group linked to severe violations including ethnically targeted slaughter and mass abductions.

Discovery of Participation

The participation of ex-soldiers initially emerged in 2024, prompted by an inquiry which revealed that more than 300 ex-military personnel had been contracted to participate in the war – an revelation that led to an unusual statement of regret from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

These South American veterans have historically been seen as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their vast combat experience acquired during decades of civil war, knowledge of Nato equipment, and elite military instruction.

Activities in Sudan

In the conflict, the mercenaries have allegedly instructed minors, provided drone warfare training, and engaged in frontline combat. One source was quoted as saying that training children was "terrible and insane" but added that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Named Entities

Among those penalized was a retired Colombian officer, a individual with dual citizenship and former army officer located in the United Arab Emirates. The Treasury alleged he played a central role in hiring and sending former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was penalized as well.

Also on the sanctions list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who authorities say managed a business implicated in handling funds and payroll for the recruitment operation. "Recently, companies in the United States linked to Duque engaged in numerous wire transfers, worth millions," the government release said.

Individual Mónica Muñoz was the other individual to be targeted, with the firm she operated alleged to have wire transfers associated with Duque and his companies.

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

Reaction

A senior analyst, from a conflict think tank, labeled the actions as a "very significant" step, stating that "targeting the enablers is the correct approach".

It was also noted that, Bogotá has enacted a law approving the global treaty against mercenarism, aiming to curb decades of Colombian involvement in overseas wars and change domestic defense strategy.

Another expert, a authority on private military contractors, advised additional measures, saying that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for combating widespread use of contractors".

"It’s an illicit economy and centered in the Emirates, which is difficult to penalize," he commented. The Emirati government has been repeatedly implicated of arming the RSF, an accusation it has denied. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," he advised.