What's happened
The US Treasury has imposed sanctions on four individuals and four companies linked to recruiting Colombian veterans to fight for Sudan's RSF. These fighters have participated in battles and training, intensifying the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Sudan since April 2023.
What's behind the headline?
The US sanctions highlight the increasing international involvement in Sudan's conflict, particularly the role of Colombian mercenaries. These fighters, recruited through covert networks, have participated directly in combat and training, exacerbating violence and destabilization. The sanctions aim to cut off financial and military support, but their effectiveness depends on enforcement and international cooperation. The involvement of Colombian veterans, many of whom come from a history of internal conflict, underscores how regional conflicts are interconnected and how mercenary networks can fuel ongoing violence. The US's focus on Colombian nationals also signals a broader concern about the global arms and mercenary markets, which often operate in legal grey areas and undermine peace efforts. The situation remains volatile, with regional powers like the UAE and Saudi Arabia implicated through alleged support, complicating diplomatic resolutions. The next steps will likely involve increased international pressure and efforts to disrupt these mercenary networks, but lasting peace in Sudan remains uncertain without comprehensive political solutions.
What the papers say
The articles from Al Jazeera, The New Arab, AP News, The Independent, and Reuters collectively emphasize the growing role of Colombian mercenaries in Sudan's conflict. Al Jazeera details the US Treasury's sanctions and the recruitment networks, highlighting the involvement of Colombian veterans in combat and training roles. The New Arab and AP News focus on the broader regional implications, including the international efforts to broker peace and the accusations against regional powers like the UAE. The Independent underscores the severity of the humanitarian crisis and the war crimes committed by the RSF, supported by mercenaries. Reuters provides a detailed account of the sanctions' scope and the operational aspects of the mercenary networks, emphasizing the US's strategic move to cut off financial support. While all sources agree on the destabilizing impact of mercenaries, some highlight the geopolitical complexities, such as regional backing and the history of Colombia's internal conflict, which fuels this international mercenary market.
How we got here
Fighting in Sudan between the army and the paramilitary RSF began in April 2023, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis with over 12 million displaced and thousands killed. The US has accused the RSF of war crimes and genocide, with support from foreign mercenaries, notably Colombian veterans with a history of internal conflict and human rights abuses.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What’s Causing the Escalation in Sudan’s Conflict?
Sudan’s ongoing conflict has intensified dramatically, with recent deadly attacks and widespread displacement. Many wonder what’s behind this escalation and what it means for civilians and regional stability. Below, we explore the key factors fueling the violence, including foreign involvement, humanitarian crises, and international sanctions. Find out what’s happening on the ground and why it matters.
More on these topics
-
The Rapid Support Forces are Sudanese paramilitary forces operated by the Sudanese Government. The RSF grew out of, and is primarily composed of, the Janjaweed militias which fought on behalf of the Sudanese government during the War in Darfur, killing an
-
Sudan, officially the Republic of the Sudan, is a country in North-East Africa. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, Libya to the northwest, Chad to the west, the Central African Republic to the southwest, South Sudan to the south, Ethiopia to the southe
-
Amnesty International is a non-governmental organization with its headquarters in the United Kingdom focused on human rights. The organization says it has more than eight million members and supporters around the world.
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
The United Arab Emirates, sometimes simply called the Emirates, is a sovereign state in Western Asia at the northeast end of the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman to the east and Saudi Arabia to the south and west, as well as sharing m