UK Freezes Assets of 15 Sudanese Military Leaders Over El Fasher Abuses

Fifteen Sudanese military commanders, militia leaders, and security officials from both sides of the civil war now face asset freezes and travel bans in the United Kingdom. The new measures target individuals accused of war crimes during the fall of the city of el-Fasher. The list includes figures from the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces.

The UK Foreign Office announced the sanctions after 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. The ministry stated the goal is to ensure the world understands the horrors that occurred in el-Fasher.

Ed Miliband, the UK Foreign Secretary, said on Monday that perpetrators of crimes against humanity must be held accountable. He argued that external support for the warring parties must end. Miliband described the conflict as a humanitarian catastrophe, noting that rape and starvation remain weaponized against the Sudanese population one year after the city’s fall.

The sanctions specifically name Hussein Abu Jalak, an RSF colonel linked to atrocities during the siege. They also target Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, known as al-Qubba, who played a prominent role in besieging and attacking the city. The measures were announced exactly one year after el-Fasher fell, a period during which civilians faced a prolonged siege, mass killings, and attacks on hospitals.

The UK has allocated five million pounds, or $6.6 million, to support survivors of sexual violence in Sudan. A separate allocation of ten million pounds, or $13.3 million, will provide humanitarian aid. These funds are part of the broader response to the conflict that began in April 2023.

Amnesty International reports that tens of thousands of civilians have been killed since the war began. The organization states that 14 million people have been displaced. The new sanctions aim to restrict the movement and financial access of the 15 individuals named in the latest list.