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The US government has levied restrictions on a operation of four individuals and four companies accused of hiring Colombian mercenaries to combat alongside and instruct a militia force in Sudan that Washington accuses of committing genocide.

Group Makeup

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

Hundreds of former Colombian military personnel have been recruited to go to Sudan to operate with the RSF paramilitary group, a force linked to severe violations such as targeted ethnic killings and large-scale abductions.

Discovery of Participation

The participation of ex-soldiers was first uncovered last year, following an report which revealed that over three hundred former soldiers had been recruited to participate in the war – an revelation that prompted an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government.

Colombian ex-soldiers have widely regarded as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their considerable warzone knowledge gleaned from years of internal conflict, knowledge of Nato equipment, and elite military instruction.

Activities in Sudan

In the conflict, the Colombians have reportedly trained underage fighters, provided drone warfare training, and fought directly on the frontlines. One source remarked that working with child soldiers was "awful and crazy" but added that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those sanctioned was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a dual Colombian-Italian national and ex-soldier located in the Dubai. The US authorities alleged he played a central role in hiring and sending mercenaries to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was similarly targeted.

Also on the restricted list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual national who officials alleged ran a firm linked to managing finances and payments for the network. "Recently, US-based firms associated with Duque engaged in numerous wire transfers, totalling millions of US dollars," the government release said.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the other individual to be targeted, with the firm she operated alleged to have money transfers linked to Duque and his businesses.

"The US once more urges outside forces to cease providing financial and military support to the combatants," the agency announced.

Reaction

Elizabeth Dickinson, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, called the measures as a "major" development, noting that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the right way to go".

Furthermore, Bogotá has enacted a piece of legislation endorsing the global treaty against mercenarism, seeking to reduce years of participation by its nationals in overseas wars and change its security approach.

Sean McFate, a authority on private military contractors, advised additional measures, noting that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for combating the growing mercenary trade".

"This is a shadow economy and based out of Dubai, which is difficult to penalize," he said. The UAE has been repeatedly implicated of arming the RSF, allegations it disputes. "More contractors from Colombia are likely," the expert cautioned.