The United States has announced new sanctions aimed at stopping a network that it says has been recruiting former Colombian soldiers to fight in Sudan’s civil war. The sanctions were issued on Tuesday as violence between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues to intensify. The conflict began in 2023 and has already taken tens of thousands of lives, forcing many families from their homes and deepening the humanitarian crisis.
The Sudanese army is led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who recently called on US President Donald Trump to help bring the war to an end. However, efforts to broker peace have repeatedly failed, leaving the country trapped in ongoing violence. The RSF, a powerful paramilitary group, has faced widespread accusations of attacking civilians, including infants and young children. These actions have drawn strong criticism from the international community and increased pressure for a global response.
Sanctions Target Recruitment Efforts
The US Treasury Department announced sanctions on four individuals and four entities linked to a network that recruits former Colombian military personnel and trains soldiers, including children, to fight for the RSF. Among those named is Alvaro Andres Quijano Becerra, a retired Colombian military officer based in the United Arab Emirates. According to the United States, he played a central role in bringing Colombian fighters into Sudan.
The employment agency co-founded by Quijano Becerra was also targeted, along with his wife, who has been involved in the management of the company. Officials say the agency helped coordinate the recruitment and deployment process. Other groups and managers linked to the network were included in the sanctions as well.
US Treasury Under Secretary John Hurley said the RSF has repeatedly shown a willingness to target civilians and that its actions have worsened the conflict. He stated that the brutality of the RSF has destabilized the region and created conditions that allow terrorist groups to grow. The United States believes that limiting the RSF’s access to foreign fighters and financial support is essential to reducing the violence.
The sanctions block access to financial systems connected to the individuals and companies involved. By disrupting the recruitment network, the United States aims to reduce the RSF’s ability to bring in outside fighters during a critical stage of the war.
In January, the US State Department determined that members of the RSF had committed genocide. This decision added more urgency to the US response and increased pressure on groups and individuals supporting the RSF.
Diplomatic Efforts with Key Regional Powers
Along with the sanctions, the United States is also working through diplomatic channels to address the crisis. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate phone calls with the foreign ministers of Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Both countries play important roles in the region and have been involved in efforts to mediate the conflict.
According to the State Department, Rubio discussed ongoing attempts to help end the war and highlighted the need for cooperation. Egypt and Saudi Arabia remain key partners in trying to calm the situation and encourage steps toward peace.
Another major regional player, the United Arab Emirates, has faced widespread accusations of supporting the RSF through weapons and mercenaries. The UAE denies these allegations. The United States has not publicly condemned the UAE, but Rubio said last month that he planned to raise concerns directly with countries believed to be backing the RSF.
The civil war in Sudan continues to draw attention from governments worldwide. With foreign fighters involved and regional powers pulled into the crisis, the conflict has become increasingly complex. The new US sanctions mark a significant move to weaken support for the RSF and disrupt the recruitment network tied to fighters from Colombia. These actions underscore the urgent need to address the violence that has gripped Sudan since 2023.