UK Sanctions 15 Sudanese Leaders
Britain freezes assets of commanders from both warring factions accused of war crimes during the fall of el-Fasher.
By Giulia Marshall ·
The United Kingdom imposed sanctions on 15 Sudanese military commanders, militia leaders, and security officials on Monday. The measures target figures from the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces accused of committing war crimes during the fall of el-Fasher. The sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes.
The announcement followed the release of UK-funded reporting by the Centre for Information Resilience. That report documented a campaign of systematic starvation and conflict-related sexual violence against civilians in Sudan. The UK Foreign Office stated the goal is to ensure the events in el-Fasher are known globally.
Ed Miliband, the UK Foreign Secretary, addressed the action on Monday. He stated that perpetrators of crimes against humanity must be held accountable. Miliband also called for external support to the warring parties to end. He described the conflict as a humanitarian catastrophe.
Miliband noted that UK-funded investigations show rape and starvation remain weaponized against Sudanese people. This comes one year after el-Fasher fell. The city became a focal point of the war last year, with civilians facing a prolonged siege, mass killings, widespread sexual violence, and attacks on hospitals.
The Foreign Office identified specific individuals in the statement. Hussein Abu Jalak, an RSF colonel, is linked to atrocities during the siege. Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, known as al-Qubba, was identified as playing a prominent role in besieging and attacking the city.
The UK allocated five million pounds, or $6.6 million, to support survivors of sexual violence. It also committed another 10 million pounds, or $13.3 million, in humanitarian aid. These funds are part of the broader response to the ongoing crisis.
Amnesty International reports that tens of thousands of civilians have been killed since the war began in April 2023. The organization says 14 million people have been displaced. The sanctions mark the first major UK action targeting commanders from both sides of the conflict for actions in el-Fasher.
