UK Hits 15 Sudanese Military Figures With Sanctions Over El Fasher Atrocities
Britain freezes assets and bans travel for leaders from both warring factions, citing new evidence of sexual violence and starvation.
By Harper Hassan ·
The United Kingdom imposed sanctions on 15 Sudanese officials on Monday, targeting commanders from both the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces. The measures include asset freezes and travel bans for individuals accused of war crimes during the siege of el-Fasher.
The Foreign Office stated the action aims to ensure the world knows the horrors that occurred in the city. The announcement followed the release of UK-funded reporting by the Centre for Information Resilience. That investigation documented a campaign of systematic starvation and conflict-related sexual violence against civilians.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said those who perpetrated crimes against humanity must be held accountable. He added that support from all external backers to the warring parties must end. Miliband described the conflict as a humanitarian catastrophe that has left the population suffering under prolonged pressure.
Among those named is Hussein Abu Jalak, an RSF colonel linked to atrocities during the siege. The list also includes Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, known as al-Qubba, who was identified as playing a prominent role in besieging and attacking the city. These figures are accused of sexual violence, torture, and direct attacks on civilian populations.
The fall of el-Fasher marked a focal point of Sudan’s war one year ago. Civilians in the city faced a prolonged siege, mass killings, and widespread sexual violence. Reports also indicated that hospitals were targeted during the conflict. Miliband noted that UK-funded investigations show rape and starvation are still being weaponized against the people of Sudan.
London has allocated five million pounds, roughly 6.6 million dollars, to support survivors of sexual violence. An additional ten million pounds, or 13.3 million dollars, is designated for humanitarian aid. The sanctions represent a direct response to the documented abuses that occurred during the city's capture.
The war in Sudan began in April 2023. According to Amnesty International, tens of thousands of civilians have been killed since then. Approximately 14 million people have been displaced from their homes as the conflict continues to expand across the country.
Source: Al Jazeera
