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The US government has enforced penalties on a network of several persons and entities alleged of hiring South American contractors to fight for and train a militia force in Sudan which the US alleges of committing genocide.

Network Composition

Disclosing the measures on Tuesday, the Treasury stated the network was largely composed of Colombian nationals and companies.

Scores of former Colombian military personnel have reportedly travelled to Sudan to fight alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a group linked to severe violations such as targeted ethnic killings and widespread kidnappings.

Revelation of Role

The involvement of Colombian fighters first came to light last year, prompted by an report which revealed that over three hundred retired troops had been hired to engage in combat – an event that led to an unusual statement of regret from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

These South American veterans have historically been seen as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their vast combat experience acquired during years of internal conflict, training on Nato equipment, and high-level combat training.

Role in the Conflict

In the Sudanese theater, the contractors have reportedly trained minors, taught fighters to pilot drones, and participated in direct battles. A mercenary was quoted as saying that instructing minors was "horrific and irrational" but noted that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those sanctioned was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a individual with dual citizenship and former army officer based in the United Arab Emirates. The Treasury accused him a key part in enlisting and transporting former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was similarly targeted.

Also on the penalty list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who authorities say managed a business implicated in processing money and salaries for the scheme. "Over the past two years, US-based firms associated with Duque conducted multiple financial transactions, worth millions," the government release said.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz was the fourth individual to be sanctioned, with the entity she oversaw accused of financial transactions linked to Duque and his operations.

"The United States again calls on external actors to stop giving financial and military support to the warring parties," the department said in a statement.

Expert Analysis

Elizabeth Dickinson, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, called the sanctions as a "highly important" milestone, stating that "identifying the recruiters is the correct approach".

It was also noted that, Colombia has enacted a law endorsing the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, seeking to reduce years of participation by its nationals in foreign conflicts and reshape national security policy.

Sean McFate, an expert on mercenaries, called for greater wariness, 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 commented. The UAE has been repeatedly implicated of arming the RSF, claims it rejects. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," he advised.