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The US government has enforced penalties on a group of four individuals and four companies accused of enlisting former Colombian soldiers to fight for and train a militia force in Sudan which the US alleges of committing genocide.

Network Composition

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

Scores of ex-soldiers from Colombia have allegedly journeyed to the Sudanese warzone to combat beside the RSF paramilitary group, a group linked to horrific war crimes including massacres based on ethnicity and mass abductions.

Discovery of Participation

The involvement of Colombian fighters was first uncovered last year, prompted by an inquiry which revealed that more than 300 former soldiers had been recruited to fight – an discovery that prompted an unusual statement of regret from officials in Bogotá.

Former Colombian military have historically been seen as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their vast combat experience acquired during decades of civil war, familiarity with advanced weaponry, and elite military instruction.

Role in the Conflict

In Sudan, the mercenaries have been accused of teaching minors, taught fighters to pilot drones, and participated in direct battles. A mercenary previously stated that training children was "horrific and irrational" but commented that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Targeted Persons

Among those penalized was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a dual Colombian-Italian national and ex-soldier located in the United Arab Emirates. The US authorities alleged he played a key part in hiring and sending former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was penalized as well.

Also on the sanctions list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual national who authorities say managed a business linked to managing finances and payments for the recruitment operation. "Recently, companies in the United States connected to Duque engaged in several money transfers, totalling millions of US dollars," the Treasury statement noted.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz was the fourth individual to be penalized, with the company she managed accused of money transfers connected to Duque and his companies.

"The US once more urges foreign parties to stop giving monetary and weaponry aid to the belligerents," the Treasury stated.

Reaction

A senior analyst, with the International Crisis Group, called the actions as a "major" step, saying that "targeting the enablers is the right way to go".

It was also noted that, Bogotá ratified a piece of legislation approving the anti-mercenary convention, seeking to reduce years of participation by its nationals in overseas wars and reshape national security policy.

Another expert, an expert on mercenaries, urged more caution, noting that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for combating rampant mercenarism".

"It’s an illicit economy and centered in Dubai, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he said. The United Arab Emirates has been widely accused of supplying weapons to the paramilitary group, allegations it disputes. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," he advised.