Sudan Sanctions: Britain targets commanders over el-Fasher

The United Kingdom imposed sanctions on 15 Sudanese military commanders, militia leaders, and security officials on Monday. The list includes figures from both the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces. These individuals are accused of committing war crimes during the fall of el-Fasher in late 2025.

The measures include travel bans and asset freezes. The UK Foreign Office stated the goal is to ensure the world knows about the horrors that occurred in the city. The announcement followed the release of a report by the Centre for Information Resilience. That group, which receives UK funding, documented a campaign of systematic starvation and conflict-related sexual violence against civilians.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said those who committed crimes against humanity must be held accountable. He also called for an end to external support for the warring parties. "The war in Sudan has created a humanitarian catastrophe," Miliband said.

The sanctions target specific individuals involved in the siege. Hussein Abu Jalak, an RSF colonel, is linked to atrocities during the siege. Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, also known as al-Qubba, was identified as playing a prominent role in besieging and attacking the city. The UK government noted that these figures were present during the key phases of the conflict.

This action marks one year since el-Fasher fell. The city became a focal point of the war as civilians faced a prolonged siege. Reports from that period included mass killings, widespread sexual violence, and attacks on hospitals. Miliband said new investigations show that rape and starvation are still being used as weapons against the Sudanese people.

Alongside the sanctions, the UK allocated five million pounds, or $6.6 million, to support survivors of sexual violence. An additional 10 million pounds, or $13.3 million, was designated for humanitarian aid. The funding aims to address immediate needs created by the ongoing conflict.

Amnesty International estimates that tens of thousands of civilians have been killed since the war began in April 2023. The organization also reports that 14 million people have been displaced. The new sanctions represent a direct response to the documented conduct of officials on both sides of the conflict.