The United States has placed sanctions on a group. This group is accused of sending hundreds of former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. These soldiers allegedly fought with a Sudanese paramilitary group. This group is called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF is linked to many terrible acts. The network includes four people and four companies. They are believed to have given experienced fighters to the RSF. This has made the crisis in Sudan worse.
Last year, reports first showed Colombian fighters in Sudan. The U.S. Treasury announced these new sanctions. They show a large operation with global connections. A key person is Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra. He is a retired Colombian military officer. He also has Italian citizenship. He is thought to have organized the recruitment from the UAE.
These experienced fighters are a worrying sign for the RSF. They have fought in many conflicts in Colombia. They know how to use NATO equipment. They also have advanced training. Reports say they fought on the front lines. They also taught RSF members about drones. Sadly, they may have also trained child soldiers.
The money for this network was complex. U.S. officials say Mateo Andrés Duque Botero managed companies. These companies paid the soldiers. They also helped with logistics. Duque Botero is Colombian and Spanish. His companies sent millions of dollars from the U.S. in 2024 and 2025. Another person, Mónica Muñoz Ucros, is also involved. Her company helped move money internationally.
Colombia has apologized for its citizens' actions. This is a serious situation. The U.S. sanctions are a response to the RSF's violence. The U.S. calls these acts war crimes. The sanctions freeze assets linked to the U.S. The goal is to stop these networks. This action is a step to help Sudan's crisis.