Britain freezes assets of 15 Sudanese figures over el-Fasher crimes

One year after the fall of el-Fasher, the United Kingdom has moved to penalize leaders from both sides of the Sudanese civil war. The government sanctioned 15 military commanders, militia leaders, and security officials accused of committing war crimes during the city's capture.

The list includes figures from the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces. The measures impose travel bans and freeze assets for those cited for sexual violence, torture, and attacks on civilians. The UK Foreign Office stated the goal is to ensure the events in el-Fasher are known to the world.

The decision follows the release of a report by the Centre for Information Resilience. That UK-funded investigation detailed a campaign of systematic starvation and conflict-related sexual violence against civilians. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced the sanctions on Monday. He said that perpetrators of crimes against humanity must be held accountable.

Miliband also called for an end to external support for the warring parties. He described the conflict as a humanitarian catastrophe. A year after the atrocities in el-Fasher, he noted that rape and starvation remain weaponized against the Sudanese population.

Two specific individuals were named in the announcement. Hussein Abu Jalak, an RSF colonel, was linked to atrocities during the siege. Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, known as al-Qubba, was identified as playing a prominent role in besieging and attacking the city.

The UK allocated five million pounds to support survivors of sexual violence in Sudan. The country also provided another 10 million pounds in humanitarian aid. These funds accompany the new sanctions package aimed at the 15 sanctioned individuals.

The war in Sudan began in April 2023. Amnesty International reports that tens of thousands of civilians have been killed since then. The conflict has displaced 14 million people from their homes.