WASHINGTON/BOGOTÁ/EL-FASHER — The United States has imposed sanctions on a transnational network it says has been recruiting former Colombian soldiers to fight in Sudan’s civil war, including as infantry and drone pilots for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Sanctions Details
- The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced measures against eight entities and individuals, mostly Colombian nationals.
- The network allegedly provided tactical and technical expertise, and even trained children to fight.
- All property and interests of those designated are blocked under US jurisdiction.
Colombian Connection
- Hundreds of Colombian mercenaries have reportedly travelled to Sudan since 2024.
- Analysts say Colombia’s history of US-backed military campaigns left many ex-soldiers without income, making them vulnerable to recruitment.
- President Gustavo Petro condemned mercenary activity abroad, calling for criminal punishment of those who “spill young blood for money.”
Conflict Context
- The RSF has been accused of genocide and war crimes, including massacres in Darfur, systematic killings of men and boys, and sexual violence against women and girls.
- In October, the RSF seized el-Fasher after a 500-day siege, killing an estimated 5,000 people.
- On Monday, the World Health Organisation reported 114 deaths, including 63 children, in strikes on a kindergarten and hospital in South Kordofan.
International Dimension
- The network includes a dual Colombian-Italian ex-officer based in the UAE, a country accused of arming the RSF — allegations Abu Dhabi denies.
- Sudan state TV claimed last August that the air force shot down a UAE plane carrying 40 Colombian fighters.
- The RSF also claimed control of Sudan’s largest oil field, Heglig, calling it a “turning point.”
Humanitarian Crisis
- Nearly 12 million people have been displaced since the war began in April 2023.
- Famine conditions are reported in parts of the country.
- US President Donald Trump pledged last month to work with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to address “tremendous atrocities.”