The US has imposed sanctions on a network it says is recruiting former Colombian soldiers and training individuals to fight in Sudan's civil war. Eight entities and individuals - primarily of Colombian nationality - have been aiding the Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), according to the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The statement highlighted that hundreds of Colombian mercenaries have traveled to Sudan since 2024, including to serve as infantry and drone pilots for the RSF.
Last year, Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated that those who 'spill young blood for money in foreign countries must be punished criminally'. The participation of soldiers - both former and active - in foreign conflicts is a longstanding issue linked to Colombia's struggles against drug cartels and armed groups, often under American military aid agreements.
Retired military officers emphasized that many Colombian ex-soldiers are lured with false promises of safe employment before being deployed to frontlines, including the current conflicts in Sudan and Ukraine.
In a recent statement, the US Treasury noted that the RSF has repeatedly attacked civilian populations, committing atrocities including killings and sexual violence. The network targeted by the sanctions consists of four entities and four individuals, including a dual Colombian-Italian citizen now based in the UAE, which is accused of providing arms support to the RSF.
As the RSF makes gains in Sudan, including a significant takeover in el-Fasher, the humanitarian impact is dire, with an estimated death toll of over 5,000. The conflict has displaced nearly 12 million people, further exacerbating famine conditions in parts of the country. The international community remains alarmed by these developments as calls for ceasefire intensify.
Last year, Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated that those who 'spill young blood for money in foreign countries must be punished criminally'. The participation of soldiers - both former and active - in foreign conflicts is a longstanding issue linked to Colombia's struggles against drug cartels and armed groups, often under American military aid agreements.
Retired military officers emphasized that many Colombian ex-soldiers are lured with false promises of safe employment before being deployed to frontlines, including the current conflicts in Sudan and Ukraine.
In a recent statement, the US Treasury noted that the RSF has repeatedly attacked civilian populations, committing atrocities including killings and sexual violence. The network targeted by the sanctions consists of four entities and four individuals, including a dual Colombian-Italian citizen now based in the UAE, which is accused of providing arms support to the RSF.
As the RSF makes gains in Sudan, including a significant takeover in el-Fasher, the humanitarian impact is dire, with an estimated death toll of over 5,000. The conflict has displaced nearly 12 million people, further exacerbating famine conditions in parts of the country. The international community remains alarmed by these developments as calls for ceasefire intensify.
