US Sanctions Colombian Network Recruiting Fighters for Sudan's RSF

The United States Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on December 9, 2025, against four individuals and four entities for operating a transnational network that recruits former Colombian military personnel to fight for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. The network, centered in Colombia and utilizing operations in the United Arab Emirates, deployed hundreds of mercenaries since 2024 to serve as infantry, snipers, and drone pilots. These fighters provided tactical expertise and reportedly trained children to fight for the RSF.

Central to the operation was Alvaro Andres Quijano Becerra, a retired Colombian-Italian military officer based in the United Arab Emirates. He utilized Bogota-based firms, including the International Services Agency (A4SI) and Maine Global Corp SAS, to advertise positions and manage payroll for the fighters. US officials linked this external support to the RSF's capture of El Fasher on October 26, 2025, which was followed by mass killings, sexual violence, and ethnically targeted torture.

Under Secretary John K. Hurley stated that the RSF's brutality has destabilized the region and created conditions for terrorist growth. The US State Department has determined that the RSF committed genocide and targeted civilians, including infants. In response, President Donald Trump pledged to work with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to address the conflict. Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned citizens fighting for money in foreign countries, and Colombia formally apologized to Sudan in early December.