Sudan: UK Sanctions Sudan Commanders and Pledges £15 Million in Aid

What the report says

The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on 15 senior commanders from Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese Armed Forces, according to a report published by Dabanga and distributed by AllAfrica. The measures, announced in London by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, include travel bans and asset freezes and are tied to allegations of atrocities in Sudan’s conflict, including conflict-related sexual violence.

Among those named were RSF Colonel Hussein Abu Jalak and Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, also known as Al-Qubba. The UK said both played prominent roles in the siege and attack on El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. The announcement came on the first anniversary of El Fasher’s fall, underscoring the continuing significance of the city in the wider war.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said UK-backed investigations had documented the use of rape and starvation as weapons of war. He called for accountability and urged an end to outside support for the armed groups. The sanctions package follows five earlier UK rounds of Sudan-related measures.

Alongside the sanctions, London pledged £15 million in new support for Sudan. Of that amount, £5 million is intended for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, including health care, psychosocial support and safe spaces, while £10 million will go to humanitarian operations such as clean water, sanitation and health services in displacement areas and in El Obeid. The aid reflects worsening civilian needs as fighting and access restrictions continue.