US: Colombian recruitment network for the Sudanese civil war added to the sanctions list.
The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on four individuals and four entities on Tuesday local time for allegedly recruiting fighters for Sudan’s civil war.
The transnational network, made up mainly of Colombian nationals and companies, “recruited former Colombian army soldiers and trained recruits, including children,” to fight for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) rebel group, the department said.
“The RSF has repeatedly demonstrated its willingness to target civilians, including young children. The group’s violence has deepened the conflict and destabilized the region, creating conditions that provide fertile ground for terrorist groups to thrive,” said John Hurley, the Treasury Department’s undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence.
The network is fueling a conflict that it says has created “the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.”
Washington continues to claim to adhere to the principles enshrined in the September 12 joint statement on restoring peace and security in Sudan, which calls for a three-month humanitarian ceasefire, followed by a permanent ceasefire and a transparent transition process to an independent, civilian government.
The statement said, “The United States once again calls on foreign actors to refrain from providing financial and military support to the parties to the conflict.”
Following this action, all assets and interests of sanctioned individuals and entities in the United States or controlled by US citizens will be blocked.
Entities that are 50 percent or more owned by sanctioned individuals will also be subject to sanctions.
The war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Reaction Forces, which began in April 2023, has killed thousands and displaced millions in Sudan.