London Targets Sudanese Leaders: Asset Freezes Announced

The United Kingdom has imposed asset freezes and travel bans on 15 Sudanese military commanders, militia leaders, and security officials. The sanctions target individuals from both the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces who are accused of committing war crimes during the fall of the city of el-Fasher. The measures specifically cite sexual violence, torture, and attacks on civilians as the basis for the designations.

The announcement follows 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. UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stated that those who perpetrated crimes against humanity must be held accountable. He also called for an end to external support for the warring parties, noting that the war has created a humanitarian catastrophe.

The timing of the sanctions marks one year since the fall of el-Fasher. The city became a focal point of the conflict last year as civilians endured a prolonged siege. Reports from that period described mass killings, widespread sexual violence, and attacks on hospitals. Miliband said that UK-funded investigations have shown that rape and starvation are still being weaponised against the people of Sudan.

The Foreign Office identified specific individuals among the 15 sanctioned. Hussein Abu Jalak, an RSF colonel, was linked to atrocities during the siege. Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, also known as al-Qubba, was identified as playing a prominent role in besieging and attacking the city. The stated aim of the measures is to ensure that the horrors that took place at el-Fasher are known to the world.

Alongside the sanctions, the UK government announced new funding for aid efforts. Five million pounds, or $6.6 million, has been allocated to support survivors of sexual violence in Sudan. An additional 10 million pounds, or $13.3 million, has been designated for humanitarian aid.

The scale of the displacement and death in Sudan continues to grow. Amnesty International reports that tens of thousands of civilians have been killed since the war began in April 2023. Fourteen million people have been displaced by the conflict.