The United States has imposed sanctions on four individuals and four entities accused of supporting Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), targeting what officials described as a transnational network helping to fuel the country’s ongoing civil war.
In a statement released Tuesday, the U.S. government said the sanctioned individuals and companies—primarily Colombian nationals and firms—have recruited former Colombian military personnel to fight alongside the RSF and provided training to fighters, including children. U.S. officials said the measures are intended to cut off a key source of external support to the RSF and limit its ability to carry out violence against civilians.
The sanctions follow remarks made on November 19 by President Trump, who condemned what he called horrific atrocities in Sudan and pledged to use U.S. power and influence to stop them.
Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since April 15, 2023, in what U.S. officials describe as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. According to the U.S. government, the RSF and allied militias have carried out widespread attacks on civilians, including systematic killings of men and boys, sexual violence against women and girls, and ethnically targeted abuses.
The RSF, supported by foreign fighters, captured the North Darfur capital of El Fasher on October 26 after an 18-month siege, U.S. officials said. The takeover was followed by mass killings, torture, and sexual violence against civilians.
The sanctions specifically target those accused of providing tactical and technical expertise that enabled the RSF to commit these abuses.
U.S. officials said the action aligns with the principles outlined in the September 12 Joint Statement on Restoring Peace and Security in Sudan, which calls for a three-month humanitarian truce, a permanent ceasefire, and a transparent transition toward a civilian-led government.
The United States said it will continue coordinating with regional partners to stabilise Sudan and urged external actors to halt military and financial support to all parties involved in the conflict.