US Imposes Sanctions on Colombian Network Fueling Sudan's Civil War
The United States Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has taken decisive action against a network accused of exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Sanctions have been imposed on four individuals and four entities for their involvement in recruiting fighters, including children, for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group engaged in Sudan's ongoing civil conflict.
Targeted Individuals and Their Roles
Alvaro Andres Quijano Becerra, a retired Colombian military officer with dual Colombian-Italian nationality, has been designated as a central figure in this network. Based in the United Arab Emirates, Quijano is accused of recruiting and deploying former Colombian military personnel to Sudan. His past includes alleged links to the Norte del Valle Cartel, adding to concerns about his activities.
Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, the Colombian wife of Quijano, serves as the owner and manager of International Services Agency (A4SI). She oversaw recruitment campaigns that sought specialized fighters such as drone operators and snipers, contributing directly to the conflict's escalation.
Mateo Andres Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish national, managed Maine Global Corp S.A.S., where he handled funds and payroll for Colombian fighters. His responsibilities included facilitating foreign exchange transactions and overseeing wire transfers worth millions of U.S. dollars, ensuring financial support for the network's operations.
Monica Muñoz Ucros, another Colombian national, acted as the alternate manager of Maine Global Corp and manager of Comercializadora San Bendito. She engaged in wire transfers with U.S. companies linked to Duque, playing a crucial role in the financial infrastructure supporting the recruitment efforts.
Entities Sanctioned for Destabilizing Activities
The sanctions extend to four entities integral to the network's operations:
- International Services Agency (A4SI): Based in Bogota, Colombia, this entity functioned as a recruitment hub for Colombian fighters, including children, directly contributing to the destabilization of Sudan.
- Global Staffing S.A. (Talent Bridge, S.A.): Located in Panama, this company acted as a front to minimize A4SI's legal exposure by signing contracts and receiving funds on its behalf.
- Maine Global Corp S.A.S.: Also based in Bogota, this entity managed and disbursed funds for Global Staffing and other companies hiring Colombian fighters, providing essential financial support.
- Comercializadora San Bendito: Managed by Monica Muñoz Ucros in Bogota, this company engaged in wire transfers with U.S. companies, further facilitating the network's financial transactions.
Implications of the Sanctions
All property and interests in property of the designated individuals and entities within the United States or controlled by U.S. persons are now blocked. Transactions involving these persons are prohibited unless specifically authorized by OFAC. This action underscores Washington's commitment to disrupting networks that fuel Sudan's civil war and worsen its humanitarian crisis, which has seen widespread atrocities against civilians.
The sanctions are imposed under Executive Order 14098, which targets actions threatening Sudan's peace and stability. By focusing on this Colombian-led network, the U.S. aims to cut off resources and recruitment channels that sustain the RSF's operations, highlighting the international dimensions of the conflict.
This report is based on information released by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to address global security threats and human rights violations in conflict zones.
