Sudan War: US Sanctions Colombian Companies and Individuals Over Recruitment of Fighters

The United States has imposed sanctions on five companies and individuals accused of recruiting former Colombian soldiers to fight for a paramilitary group in Sudan, saying their actions have worsened the country’s humanitarian crisis. Washington also urged Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces to agree to an unconditional three-month ceasefire to allow aid delivery. The sanctions freeze any U.S.-based assets belonging to those targeted and bar them from the U.S. financial system.

The United States on Friday announced a new round of sanctions targeting five companies and individuals accused of playing a key role in recruiting former Colombian military personnel to fight in Sudan on behalf of a paramilitary group. According to a statement from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the network has significantly contributed to intensifying the conflict, which has spiraled into one of the most devastating humanitarian crises and famine situations in the world today.
In its statement, the Treasury Department stressed that the activities of these recruiters have not only prolonged the violence but have also deepened human suffering across Sudan. The United States warned that the continued influx of foreign fighters into the conflict is further destabilizing the region, making efforts to reach a peaceful resolution more difficult. As part of its response, Washington urged both the Sudanese government army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to immediately agree to a three-month humanitarian ceasefire without preconditions. The proposed truce, officials say, would allow critical aid to reach millions of civilians caught in the crossfire and help ease the rapidly worsening humanitarian situation.
The conflict in Sudan, now in its third year, has been marked by widespread violence, mass displacement, and severe food shortages. Aid organizations and international observers have repeatedly described it as the worst humanitarian crisis globally, with millions of people facing hunger and limited access to basic necessities such as clean water, healthcare, and shelter. Entire communities have been uprooted, and infrastructure across the country has been severely damaged, further complicating relief efforts.
U.S. officials revealed that hundreds of former Colombian military personnel have been recruited and deployed to Sudan, where they are supporting the RSF in various capacities. These roles include direct participation in combat operations as well as providing technical expertise, training, and strategic support in battles taking place across different parts of the country. The involvement of these experienced fighters has raised concerns about the escalation and prolongation of the conflict.
Among those sanctioned is Fenix Human Resources SAS, an employment agency based in Bogota, Colombia, along with its manager, Jose Libardo Quijano Torres. The Treasury Department also named former Colombian Army Colonel Jose Oscar Garcia Batt, identified as the owner of another Bogota-based recruiting company, Global Qowa Al-Basheria SAS. In addition, the sanctions target the company’s manager, Omar Fernando Garcia Batte. U.S. authorities allege that these individuals and entities were directly involved in organizing, facilitating, and managing the recruitment and deployment of former soldiers to Sudan.
As a result of the sanctions, all property and financial interests belonging to the designated individuals and companies within the United States are now blocked. This means they are effectively cut off from the U.S. financial system, and any assets they hold within U.S. jurisdiction are frozen. American individuals and businesses are also prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.
The United States emphasized that these measures are part of broader efforts to hold accountable those who contribute to the ongoing violence in Sudan and to pressure all parties involved to move toward a peaceful resolution. Officials reiterated the urgency of ending the conflict and ensuring that humanitarian assistance can reach those in desperate need without obstruction.