The US has sanctioned four Colombian citizens and four associated businesses, alleged to be running a transnational network that has recruited ex-Colombian soldiers to participate in the ongoing civil war in Sudan.
The US Treasury Department stated that the approved persons masterminded the recruitment and deployment of hundreds of former Colombian military members to Sudan, where they supposedly trained and fought alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a strong paramilitary group in conflict with Sudan’s national army. US officials said the recruits were deployed in combat, trained RSF fighters, including child soldiers, and provided technical assistance such as drones, artillery, and military vehicles.
The treasury reported that Colombian fighters were active in key war zones, including the capital Khartoum, Omdurman, the Kordofan region, and el-Fasher, which has seen some of the most intense fighting. The government of Sudan estimated that 350 to 380 Colombian mercenaries have entered the country since 2024.
US officials accused the RSF of numerous attacks on civilians and severe human rights violations, including ethnic killings and rape. The war, which began in April 2023, has been called by US officials the worst ongoing humanitarian crisis in the world. Over 12 million people have been displaced, and millions more have fled to seek refuge in neighboring countries.
According to the Treasury, several Colombia-based companies played a key role in recruitment and deployment by organizing communications, arranging travel, and processing millions of dollars in payments through international financial channels. Under the sanctions, all assets linked to these individuals or companies within US jurisdiction are frozen, and US citizens and businesses are prohibited from transacting with them.
