Britain freezes assets of 15 Sudanese leaders after el-Fasher report

The United Kingdom imposed new sanctions on 15 Sudanese military commanders, militia leaders, and security officials on Monday. The measures target figures from both the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces who are accused of committing war crimes during the siege and fall of el-Fasher.

The sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes for all 15 individuals. The UK Foreign Office stated the goal is to ensure the world knows about the atrocities that occurred in the city. The list includes Hussein Abu Jalak, an RSF colonel linked to atrocities during the siege. It also names Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, known as "al-Qubba," who was identified as a key player in the city's assault.

The announcement followed the release of investigative reporting funded by the UK. The Centre for Information Resilience documented a campaign of systematic starvation and conflict-related sexual violence against civilians. UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the perpetrators of crimes against humanity must be held accountable. He added that external backers of the warring parties must end their support.

Miliband described the conflict as a humanitarian catastrophe. He noted that a year after the events in el-Fasher, investigations show rape and starvation remain weaponized against the Sudanese population. The city became a focal point of the war last year after civilians endured a prolonged siege, mass killings, and attacks on hospitals.

Alongside the sanctions, the UK government announced financial support for those affected by the conflict. The country allocated five million pounds to support survivors of sexual violence. An additional 10 million pounds in humanitarian aid was also provided to address the ongoing crisis.

The war, which began in April 2023, has displaced 14 million people. Amnesty International reports that tens of thousands of civilians have been killed since the fighting started. The new sanctions mark the first major coordinated action by the UK against leaders from both sides of the conflict.