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The US government has levied restrictions on a operation of four individuals and four companies charged of recruiting South American contractors to support and educate a armed faction in Sudan which the US alleges of genocidal acts.

Group Makeup

Revealing the sanctions on this week, the US Treasury Department stated the scheme was largely composed of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Scores of former Colombian military personnel have been recruited to go to the conflict in Sudan to fight alongside the RSF paramilitary group, a faction implicated in horrific war crimes encompassing targeted ethnic killings and large-scale abductions.

Discovery of Participation

The participation of ex-soldiers first came to light last year, following an inquiry which revealed that hundreds of retired troops had been hired to participate in the war – an revelation that prompted an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government.

These South American veterans have widely regarded as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their vast combat experience acquired during years of internal conflict, training on Western military gear, and elite military instruction.

Role in the Conflict

In the Sudanese theater, the mercenaries have allegedly instructed minors, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and participated in direct battles. One source was quoted as saying that working with child soldiers was "horrific and irrational" but noted that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Targeted Persons

Among those penalized was a retired Colombian officer, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and retired Colombian military officer located in the United Arab Emirates. The government said he had a key part in hiring and sending ex-military personnel to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was penalized as well.

Also on the sanctions list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual national who officials alleged ran a firm linked to processing money and salaries for the network. "Over the past two years, companies in the United States associated with Duque engaged in several money transfers, totalling millions of US dollars," the Treasury statement stated.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz was the final person to be sanctioned, with the company she managed alleged to have money transfers linked to Duque and his companies.

"Washington reiterates its demand for outside forces to cease providing monetary and weaponry aid to the warring parties," the agency stated.

Expert Analysis

An expert, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, called the measures as a "highly important" step, saying that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the right way to go".

She added that, the Colombian government recently passed a statute endorsing the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, seeking to reduce years of participation by its nationals in overseas wars and transform its security approach.

Another expert, a authority on private military contractors, urged more caution, saying that "restrictions are needed but not enough for dealing with widespread use of contractors".

"This is a shadow economy and operating from the UAE, which is difficult to penalize," he stated. The UAE has been frequently alleged of arming the RSF, allegations it disputes. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," the expert cautioned.