London targets Sudan war figures: 15 face asset freezes

The United Kingdom has placed 15 Sudanese military and security figures under new sanctions measures.

The list includes commanders from the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces. All are accused of committing war crimes during the fall of el-Fasher. The measures impose travel bans and freeze assets for the targeted individuals.

The UK Foreign Office stated the goal is to ensure global awareness of the events in el-Fasher. The announcement followed a report funded by the UK. The Centre for Information Resilience published findings detailing systematic starvation and conflict-related sexual violence in Sudan.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband addressed the situation on Monday. He stated that perpetrators of crimes against humanity must face accountability. He also called for an end to external support for the warring factions. Miliband described the ongoing conflict as a humanitarian catastrophe.

The sanctions mark one year since el-Fasher fell. The city became a central point in the war as civilians endured a long siege. Reports from that period included mass killings, sexual violence, and attacks on hospitals.

Specific individuals named in the decision include RSF colonel Hussein Abu Jalak. He is linked to atrocities during the siege. Another target is Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, also known as al-Qubba. Officials identified him as a prominent figure in the siege and attack on the city.

Britain has allocated five million pounds, or 6.6 million US dollars, to support survivors of sexual violence. The country has also committed another 10 million pounds, or 13.3 million US dollars, in humanitarian aid. Amnesty International reports that tens of thousands of civilians have died since the war began in April 2023. An estimated 14 million people have been displaced from their homes.