🔗 Share this article Washington Levies Restrictions on Group Accused of Channeling Colombian Contractors to Sudan. The US government has enforced penalties on a network of four individuals and four companies alleged of enlisting former Colombian soldiers to combat alongside and instruct a Sudanese paramilitary group the United States claims of acts of genocide. Operation Structure Disclosing the restrictions on Tuesday, the American treasury stated the operation was primarily made up of Colombian citizens and firms. Scores of former Colombian military personnel have been recruited to go to the Sudanese warzone to operate with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a group linked to severe violations including ethnically targeted slaughter and widespread kidnappings. Revelation of Role The role of these mercenaries first came to light in 2024, prompted by an investigation which disclosed that more than 300 retired troops had been hired to participate in the war – an event that resulted in an rare mea culpa from the Colombian government. Colombian ex-soldiers have long been considered as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their considerable warzone knowledge gleaned from years of internal conflict, familiarity with Nato equipment, and elite military instruction. Role in the Conflict In the conflict, the contractors have allegedly instructed child soldiers, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and fought directly on the frontlines. One source was quoted as saying that working with child soldiers was "horrific and irrational" but added that "unfortunately that’s how war is". Sanctioned Individuals Among those penalized was a retired Colombian officer, a dual Colombian-Italian national and ex-soldier located in the Dubai. The government said he had a key part in hiring and sending ex-military personnel to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was penalized as well. Also on the restricted list was Duque Botero, a dual national who officials alleged managed a business accused of handling funds and payroll for the scheme. "Over the past two years, companies in the United States linked to Duque engaged in several money transfers, amounting to millions," the official announcement said. Colombian national Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the final person to be sanctioned, with the company she managed alleged to have wire transfers linked to Duque and his businesses. "The United States again calls on external actors to halt the flow of monetary and weaponry aid to the warring parties," the agency announced. Expert Analysis A senior analyst, from a conflict think tank, labeled the actions as a "major" development, saying that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the right way to go". It was also noted that, Bogotá ratified a statute ratifying the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, seeking to reduce years of participation by its nationals in foreign conflicts and transform domestic defense strategy. A mercenary specialist, a authority on private military contractors, advised additional measures, noting that "restrictions are needed but not enough for addressing the growing mercenary trade". "This is a shadow economy and centered in the Emirates, which is difficult to penalize," he stated. The Emirati government has been frequently alleged of arming the RSF, allegations it disputes. "This trend will probably continue," the expert cautioned.