U.S. Sanctions Network Accused of Recruiting Foreign Fighters for Sudan’s RSF

Washington, April 17, 2026 - The United States has imposed sanctions on a network of individuals and companies accused of recruiting foreign fighters to support Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), in a move aimed at disrupting external involvement in the country’s war. The U.S. Treasury Department identified what it described as a structured recruitment system that has facilitated the deployment of hundreds of foreign combatants-primarily former Colombian soldiers-into Sudan since 2024. These fighters are believed to have taken part in major military operations, including battles in North Darfur. Among those sanctioned is Jose Oscar Garcia Batte, a former army colonel accused of using a private firm to recruit specialized personnel such as snipers and drone operators. His brother, Omar Fernando Garcia Batte, was also designated for his alleged role in managing a parallel recruitment structure operating under different corporate identities. Authorities further targeted several entities accused of acting as fronts for these activities, including firms involved in personnel recruitment and financial facilitation. One Panama-based company was identified as a key intermediary used to channel funds and obscure transactions linked to the network. According to U.S. officials, some of the sanctioned entities had attempted to evade earlier restrictions by rebranding and creating new corporate structures. The sanctions were issued under an executive order targeting actors accused of contributing to instability in Sudan and undermining peace efforts. U.S. authorities stated that the recruitment of foreign mercenaries has intensified the conflict and contributed to the suffering of civilians. The measures form part of broader efforts to curb external support to armed groups in Sudan, where the involvement of foreign fighters and financial networks continues to complicate prospects for a resolution to the conflict.