US sanctions network recruiting Colombian mercenaries for Sudan conflict

BBC
BBC
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The US sanctioned a Colombia-based network recruiting fighters for Sudan's RSF, highlighting foreign involvement in the Sudanese civil war and associated war crimes allegations.
US sanctions network recruiting Colombian mercenaries for Sudan conflict
A What happened
The US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) targeted eight entities and individuals, primarily Colombian, accused of recruiting and training mercenaries for Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) during the ongoing civil war that escalated in 2023-2024. Hundreds of Colombian fighters, including ex-soldiers and drone pilots, have been sent to Sudan, reportedly under deceptive hiring practices promising low-risk jobs. The RSF has been condemned for committing war crimes and genocide against civilians, further destabilizing the region. The network includes a dual Colombian-Italian former military officer based in the UAE, a country accused but denying supplying arms to the RSF. The RSF's recent territorial gains include Darfur's city of el-Fasher and Sudan's largest oil field, exacerbating humanitarian crises affecting millions with famine and displacement. US sanctions block all property and interests of the designated network within US jurisdiction to disrupt their operations. The situation remains volatile with significant civilian casualties and international concern over escalating violence and foreign mercenary involvement.
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Key insights

  • 1

    US policy action: The US imposed sanctions on a Colombian-led network recruiting mercenaries for Sudan's Rapid Support Forces to disrupt their support of a paramilitary group involved in severe human rights violations.

  • 2

    Impact on conflict: Hundreds of Colombian fighters have joined the RSF as infantry and drone operators, intensifying the Sudan civil war and contributing to atrocities including genocide and attacks on civilians.

  • 3

    Network and regional dynamics: The sanctioned network operates transnationally with ties to former soldiers and the UAE, a nation accused but denying involvement, highlighting complex foreign influences in Sudan's war.

Takeaways

US sanctions against a Colombian-linked network recruiting mercenaries for Sudan's RSF represent a strategic move to counter foreign involvement that fuels the ongoing civil war and associated atrocities, although the conflict and humanitarian crisis persist.

Topics

World & Politics International Affairs Conflicts Security & Defense

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