US sanctions network it says recruits Colombian fighters for Sudan civil war

December 10, 2025

The United States has sanctioned eight Colombian nationals and entities accused of recruiting former Colombian soldiers to fight as mercenaries for Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group. The Treasury Department reports that hundreds of Colombian fighters have traveled to Sudan since 2024, where they serve as infantry soldiers and drone pilots, with some allegedly training child soldiers. These retired Colombian military personnel, many struggling financially after their service, are often deceived by false promises of safe work before being deployed to active conflict zones.

Who is affected

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group in Sudan
Eight Colombian nationals and entities sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury
Hundreds of Colombian mercenaries who have traveled to Sudan since 2024
Sudanese civilians, particularly in Khartoum, Omdurman, Kordofan, and el-Fasher
Nearly 12 million displaced people in Sudan
At least 114 people killed in recent strikes on a kindergarten and hospital in South Kordofan, including 63 children
An estimated 5,000 people killed in el-Fasher
A dual Colombian-Italian national (former military officer based in UAE)
The Sudanese army (fighting against the RSF)
U.S. persons who must comply with blocking sanctioned property

What action is being taken

The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is imposing sanctions on the network
Colombian mercenaries are serving as infantry and drone pilots for the RSF
The network is recruiting fighters, providing tactical and technical expertise, and training children to fight
Colombian fighters are participating in numerous battles across Sudan including Khartoum, Omdurman, Kordofan, and el-Fasher
The RSF is battling the Sudanese army and making territorial gains
All property and interests in property of designated persons are being blocked and must be reported by U.S. persons

Why it matters

This situation matters because it demonstrates how international mercenary networks are fueling and prolonging Sudan's devastating civil war, which has created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. The RSF, strengthened by foreign fighters with military expertise, has been accused of genocide, war crimes, systematic killings, rape, and targeting civilians including children, with recent attacks killing 114 people at a kindergarten and hospital. The involvement of Colombian mercenaries—often deceived and exploited due to their economic vulnerability after military service—highlights how global trafficking networks contribute to regional instability and atrocities. The conflict has displaced nearly 12 million people and created famine conditions, while also creating opportunities for terrorist groups to grow in the destabilized region.

What's next

President Donald Trump has pledged to "start working on Sudan" with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The WHO director-general has repeated calls for a ceasefire following the recent deadly strikes.

Read full article from source: BBC