The U.S. Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on a network of Colombian individuals and companies accused of supporting Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces by recruiting former soldiers to participate in the conflict.
The measures were implemented through the Office of Foreign Assets Control as Sudan enters its third year of war between the national army and the RSF, a conflict widely described as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.
U.S. officials said the network facilitated the deployment of hundreds of former Colombian military personnel to Sudan from 2024, where they were involved in combat and technical support roles.
The sanctions target recruitment firms and associated individuals believed to have played a role in organizing the transfer of trained fighters into the conflict zone.
Treasury officials said the activities have contributed to escalating violence, particularly in the Darfur region, where reports indicate the presence of foreign fighters in areas linked to serious abuses.
The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with around 34 million people in need of assistance and more than 14 million displaced since fighting began in April 2023.
Alongside the sanctions, the United States called for an immediate and unconditional three-month ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian access and improve conditions for civilians.
The measures include the freezing of assets under U.S. jurisdiction and a prohibition on transactions involving designated individuals and entities.
The announcement coincided with an international conference on Sudan in Berlin, where donors pledged more than 1.5 billion euros in humanitarian aid.
Analysts say the move reflects a broader effort to disrupt external support networks and increase pressure toward de-escalation and humanitarian access.
