News|Donald TrumpUS sanctions Colombian citizens for recruiting fighters for Sudan’s warThe sanctioned individuals are accused of creating a ‘transnational network’ to send Colombian soldiers to fight in Sudan.
The United States government has imposed sanctions on four Colombian nationals and their associated businesses, citing their involvement in a "transnational network" profiting from Sudan's civil war.
The United States government has imposed sanctions on four Colombian nationals and their associated businesses, citing their involvement in a "transnational network" profiting from Sudan's civil war.
On Tuesday, Jan 7, 2025, the US Treasury identified the following individuals as part of a recruitment scheme for former Colombian military personnel to engage in combat in Sudan:
Alvaro Andres Quijano Becerra Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero Mateo Andres Duque Botero Monica Munoz Ucros
The scheme allegedly involves the deployment of these former soldiers to train the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, a paramilitary group engaged in conflict with Sudanese government forces.
The US Treasury statement highlights ongoing conflict in Sudan since April 2023, resulting in over 12.4 million displaced individuals and 3.3 million refugees. The RSF has been accused of severe human rights violations, including targeting civilians and committing acts of genocide against ethnic groups in Sudan.
The United States government has imposed sanctions on four Colombian nationals and their associated businesses, citing their involvement in a "transnational network" profiting from Sudan's civil war.
The presence of Colombian fighters, supported by various individuals and companies mainly from Colombia, has been instrumental in the RSF's operations. Since September 2024, hundreds of Colombian military veterans have traveled to Sudan, some participating directly in combat operations.
The sanctioned businesses are involved in recruiting and facilitating the deployment of Colombian nationals to Sudan. The entities include:
International Services Agency : Based in Bogota, this firm, led by Quijano Becerra and Oliveros Forero, engages in recruiting activities through group chats and town halls. Global Staffing (also known as Talent Bridge): A Panama-based company allegedly used to obscure recruitment activities. Maine Global Corp : A Bogota-based company managed by Duque Botero and Muñoz Ucros, involved in hiring Colombians and facilitating their payments. Comercializadora San Bendito : Accused of facilitating wire transfers.
From 2024 to 2025, these entities processed payments amounting to millions of US dollars. Consequently, the US Treasury has frozen their US assets and prohibited US-based entities from conducting business with them.
For more details, refer to the official announcement .
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
