The United Kingdom announced sanctions against 15 military and security officials from Sudan’s warring factions in response to alleged atrocities committed during the siege and capture of el-Fasher. The targets included commanders from both the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces who face accusations of orchestrating systematic sexual violence, torture, and attacks on civilians. The sanctions include travel restrictions and asset freezes.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stated that perpetrators of crimes against humanity must face accountability and called for the withdrawal of external support to the conflicting parties. The UK Foreign Office emphasized that the measures aim to ensure global awareness of the violations that occurred in el-Fasher. The announcement followed the publication of UK-funded investigative reporting from the Centre for Information Resilience documenting a pattern of starvation and conflict-related sexual violence targeting Sudan’s civilian population.
Specific individuals targeted include RSF Colonel Hussein Abu Jalak and military officer Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, also known as “al-Qubba,” both linked to operations during the siege. The UK committed five million pounds to support survivors of sexual violence and an additional 10 million pounds in humanitarian assistance to address the broader humanitarian crisis.
The siege of el-Fasher one year ago resulted in prolonged civilian suffering, including mass killings, widespread sexual assault, and damage to medical facilities. According to humanitarian organizations, the broader conflict that began in April 2023 has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced approximately 14 million people across Sudan.
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