In April 2026, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on a group of individuals and entities that are involved in recruiting former Colombian military personnel to fight in Sudan on behalf of the Rapid Support Forces militia. According to an official investigation carried out by different US agencies, hundreds of Colombian mercenaries have travelled to Sudan to back the RSF, either serving in combat or assisting in technical roles. The sanctions decision was taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14098, “Imposing Sanctions on Certain Persons Destabilizing Sudan and Undermining the Goal of a Democratic Transition.”

However, for this decision to have its full impact in disrupting this mercenary network, the sanctions umbrella should be expanded to include key players in this network who, until now, have continued to supply the militia with mercenaries. 

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) grew out of Sudan’s feared Janjaweed militia following a 2013 restructuring, originally tasked with aiding government counterinsurgency efforts in Darfur and South Kordofan. Over time, the paramilitary group compiled a deeply troubling record of human rights abuses. These include widespread sexual violence, mass killings, and the unlawful imprisonment of civilians. The RSF has also targeted hospitals, churches, journalists, and media outlets. Further, the group has carried out killings along ethnic lines, adding a genocidal dimension to its violence. Most alarmingly, it has recruited children as soldiers throughout the course of the ongoing war.

Most recently, Human Rights Watch exposed that the Global Security Services Group (GSSG), a UAE-based security company with links to the ruling family, is engaged in hiring Colombian mercenaries to fight in Sudan. This result aligns with the findings of The Sentry organization’s investigation into the same company. Another report by the UN found that Libya’s Subul al-Salam Battalion facilitated the transfer of Colombian mercenaries to Sudan. According to a report by African Intelligence, the Central African Republic is also involved in transitioning mercenaries to Sudan. Moreover, tracking of Colombian mercenaries’ phones by the Conflict Insight Group showed that the UAE-supported Puntland Maritime Police Force compound is an important point in conveying the mercenaries. 

The U.S. Treasury Department should move quickly to impose sanctions on all individuals and entities linked to the Colombian mercenary network. Such action would play an important role in weakening the network by restricting its financial resources, operational capacity, and ability to continue supporting violence in Sudan. Targeted sanctions could disrupt recruitment, funding, and logistical operations while sending a clear message against the use of foreign mercenaries in regional conflicts. By limiting the network’s influence and access to resources, the United States can help reduce the flow of fighters and support broader international efforts aimed at restoring stability in Sudan and the surrounding region. Holding these actors accountable may also deter similar activities by other groups and contribute to advancing peace, security, and the protection of civilians.

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