🔗 Share this article United States Enforces Penalties on Network Accused of Channeling South American Contractors to the Sudanese Conflict. The United States has enforced penalties on a network of four people and four firms charged of enlisting former Colombian soldiers to fight for and train a Sudanese paramilitary group the United States claims of genocidal acts. Group Makeup Announcing the sanctions on this week, the Treasury stated the network was primarily made up of Colombian citizens and firms. Hundreds of former Colombian military personnel have allegedly journeyed to the conflict in Sudan to operate with the Sudanese RSF militia, a group linked to severe violations encompassing ethnically targeted slaughter and large-scale abductions. Discovery of Participation The participation of ex-soldiers initially emerged in 2024, after an report which found that over three hundred former soldiers had been contracted to participate in the war – an event that prompted an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government. These South American veterans have historically been seen as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their considerable warzone knowledge acquired during decades of civil war, training on Nato equipment, and high-level combat training. Activities in Sudan In Sudan, the Colombians have reportedly trained minors, taught fighters to pilot drones, and engaged in frontline combat. A mercenary remarked that instructing minors was "horrific and irrational" but added that "regrettably, war operates that way". Sanctioned Individuals Among those targeted was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and retired Colombian military officer located in the Dubai. The Treasury said he had a pivotal function in enlisting and transporting former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Oliveros, was penalized as well. Also on the penalty list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual national who the Treasury stated managed a business accused of processing money and salaries for the scheme. "In 2024 and 2025, US-based firms connected to Duque conducted multiple financial transactions, worth millions," the Treasury statement noted. Individual Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the fourth individual to be targeted, with the company she managed said to have conducted wire transfers associated with Duque and his businesses. "Washington reiterates its demand for foreign parties to halt the flow of monetary and weaponry aid to the belligerents," the agency stated. Reaction Elizabeth Dickinson, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, described the measures as a "highly important" step, stating that "targeting the enablers is the right way to go". It was also noted that, the Colombian government ratified a law endorsing the global treaty against mercenarism, aiming to curb years of participation by its nationals in foreign conflicts and change national security policy. A mercenary specialist, a authority on private military contractors, called for greater wariness, saying that "restrictions are needed but not enough for dealing with the growing mercenary trade". "This is a shadow economy and operating from the UAE, which is relatively sanction-proof," he stated. The UAE has been frequently alleged of arming the RSF, claims it rejects. "This trend will probably continue," the expert cautioned.