The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced on Apr. 17 that it has imposed sanctions on five individuals and entities involved in recruiting and sending former Colombian military personnel to fight for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. The action comes as the civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and RSF marks its third year.
The Treasury said this recruitment network has contributed to a worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, which is now experiencing famine conditions and widespread displacement. According to Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, "It is unacceptable that the leaders of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces have not committed to a humanitarian truce to address the devastating famine created by the civil war in Sudan. They must act to end this humanitarian crisis immediately."
Since April 2023, more than 150,000 people have reportedly been killed and over 14 million displaced due to ongoing violence, including mass civilian casualties and human rights abuses attributed to both sides of the conflict. The United States has called for an immediate three-month humanitarian truce without preconditions, aiming to allow aid delivery and protect civilians while supporting continued negotiations toward a permanent ceasefire.
The sanctions target individuals such as retired Colombian military officer Alvaro Andres Quijano Becerra—previously designated by OFAC—and companies like International Services Agency (A4SI), Fénix Human Resources S.A.S., Talent Bridge S.A., Global Qowa Al-Basheria S.A.S., as well as key managers associated with these organizations. These entities are accused of facilitating combat roles for former Colombian soldiers in battles across Sudan on behalf of RSF forces.
According to OFAC, all property or interests belonging to these designated persons within U.S. jurisdiction are now blocked, with further restrictions applying under Executive Order 14098. The agency also warned that violations could result in civil or criminal penalties for both U.S. and foreign persons involved.
Bessent said that while sanctions are intended as a tool for change rather than punishment, they reflect an ongoing commitment by OFAC not only to add but also remove individuals from sanction lists when warranted under law.
