Washington DC, December 10 (Darfur24)
The United States on Tuesday announced sanctions against what it described as a cross-border network involved in recruiting former military personnel, including children, to fight alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan.
In a statement, the U.S. Treasury Department said it had designated four individuals and four entities, most of them Colombian citizens and companies, accusing them of fueling the war in Sudan.
According to the statement, hundreds of former Colombian soldiers have traveled to Sudan since at least 2024 to join the ranks of the RSF. The department said these fighters provided tactical guidance, training, and operational support, served in infantry and artillery roles, and operated drones. Some were also accused of training children to fight.
The Treasury Department said Colombian fighters had taken part in battles across Sudan, including in Khartoum and El Fasher.
John Hurley, Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, said: “The Rapid Support Forces have repeatedly demonstrated their willingness to target civilians, including infants and young children. Their brutality has exacerbated the conflict and destabilized the region, creating conditions for the growth of terrorist groups.”
Among those sanctioned is Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a dual Colombian-Italian national and retired Colombian military officer residing in the UAE, who is accused of playing a key role in recruiting and deploying Colombian fighters to Sudan.
The UAE has been widely accused of arming the RSF, allegations it has repeatedly denied.
“The United States again calls on external actors to cease providing financial and military support to the warring parties,” the Treasury Department said.
The conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF erupted in April 2023 following a power struggle, leading to famine, ethnic killings, and mass displacement. In November, U.S. President Donald Trump said he would do everything in his power to help end the war.
The United States, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia — known collectively as the Quartet — have proposed a plan for a three-month ceasefire followed by peace talks.