🔗 Share this article

The United States has levied restrictions on a operation of four people and four firms accused of hiring Colombian mercenaries to support and educate a militia force in Sudan which the US alleges of acts of genocide.

Network Composition

Revealing the restrictions on Tuesday, the American treasury stated the network was mostly comprised of Colombian nationals and companies.

Hundreds of retired Colombian troops have allegedly journeyed to the Sudanese warzone to operate with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a faction accused of terrible atrocities such as massacres based on ethnicity and widespread kidnappings.

Emergence of Involvement

The role of these mercenaries first came to light last year, after an investigation which revealed that more than 300 former soldiers had been hired to participate in the war – an event that resulted in an unusual statement of regret from officials in Bogotá.

Former Colombian military have long been considered as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their vast combat experience resulting from years of internal conflict, training on Nato equipment, and high-level combat training.

Reported Actions

In Sudan, the Colombians have allegedly instructed underage fighters, taught fighters to pilot drones, and fought directly on the frontlines. A mercenary previously stated that working with child soldiers was "terrible and insane" but noted that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Targeted Persons

Among those targeted was a dual national, a individual with dual citizenship and ex-soldier located in the UAE. The government accused him a pivotal function in enlisting and transporting mercenaries to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Oliveros, was similarly targeted.

Also on the restricted list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual national who authorities say managed a business accused of processing money and salaries for the scheme. "Over the past two years, companies in the United States linked to Duque carried out multiple financial transactions, amounting to millions," the official announcement noted.

Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the final person to be penalized, with the firm she operated said to have conducted wire transfers associated with Duque and his businesses.

"The United States again calls on foreign parties to stop giving monetary and weaponry aid to the belligerents," the department stated.

Reaction

Elizabeth Dickinson, with the International Crisis Group, called the measures as a "very significant" milestone, noting that "identifying the recruiters is the right way to go".

Furthermore, the Colombian government has enacted a law approving the anti-mercenary convention, seeking to reduce years of participation by its nationals in foreign conflicts and reshape national security policy.

Another expert, an expert on mercenaries, advised additional measures, saying that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for combating the growing mercenary trade".

"It operates in the black market and operating from the Emirates, which is difficult to penalize," he said. The Emirati government has been frequently alleged of arming the RSF, claims it rejects. "More contractors from Colombia are likely," the expert cautioned.