Britain Sanctions Fifteen Sudan Leaders

The United Kingdom imposed sanctions on fifteen Sudanese military figures on Monday. The group includes commanders from the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces, as well as security officials. London cited war crimes committed during the siege and fall of el-Fasher as the reason for the measures.

The sanctions package includes asset freezes and travel bans for the targeted individuals. The UK Foreign Office stated the goal is to ensure global awareness of the events in el-Fasher. The decision followed the release of reporting by the Centre for Information Resilience, which was funded by the UK government. That investigation documented a campaign of systematic starvation and conflict-related sexual violence against civilians.

Ed Miliband, the UK Foreign Secretary, announced the move. He stated that perpetrators of crimes against humanity must face accountability. Miliband also called for external backers of the warring parties to end their support. He described the conflict as a humanitarian catastrophe that has continued for a year since the city fell.

Miliband noted that the new investigations show rape and starvation remain weaponized tools in the war. The sanctions specifically name Hussein Abu Jalak, an RSF colonel linked to atrocities during the siege. Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, also known as al-Qubba, was also targeted for his prominent role in besieging and attacking the city.

Alongside the sanctions, the UK allocated five million pounds, or 6.6 million dollars, to support survivors of sexual violence in Sudan. The government committed an additional ten million pounds, or 13.3 million dollars, to humanitarian aid efforts. These financial commitments accompany the legal restrictions placed on the fifteen officials.

The fall of el-Fasher marked a focal point of the war last year. Civilians in the city faced a prolonged siege, mass killings, and attacks on hospitals. Amnesty International reports that tens of thousands of civilians have been killed since the war began in April 2023. The organization also says 14 million people have been displaced by the conflict.