Miliband imposes sanctions on 15 Sudanese leaders over El Fasher abuses
The UK froze assets and banned travel for officials from both sides of the conflict following reports of systematic starvation and sexual violence.
By Tessa Cooper ·
UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced sanctions against 15 Sudanese military commanders, militia leaders, and security officials on Monday. The measures target individuals from both the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces who are accused of committing war crimes during the fall of El Fasher.
The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans. The Foreign Office stated that the goal is to ensure the world is aware of the events in El Fasher. The decision followed the release of UK-funded reporting by the Centre for Information Resilience. That report detailed a campaign of systematic starvation and conflict-related sexual violence against civilians in Sudan.
Miliband said those who perpetrated crimes against humanity must be held accountable. He also called for external backers of the warring parties to end their support. "The war in Sudan has created a humanitarian catastrophe," Miliband said. He noted that UK-funded investigations show rape and starvation are still being weaponised against the population.
The announcement marks one year since the fall of El Fasher. The city became a focal point of the war last year when civilians faced a prolonged siege, mass killings, widespread sexual violence, and attacks on hospitals. The Foreign Office identified specific individuals among the sanctioned, including RSF colonel Hussein Abu Jalak, who is linked to atrocities during the siege. It also named Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, known as "al-Qubba," who was identified as playing a prominent role in besieging and attacking the city.
The UK has allocated five million pounds, or 6.6 million dollars, to support survivors of sexual violence in Sudan. The government also committed another 10 million pounds, or 13.3 million dollars, in humanitarian aid. These funds are part of the wider response to the ongoing conflict.
The civil war in Sudan began in April 2023. Since that time, tens of thousands of civilians have been killed, according to Amnesty International. The organization reports that 14 million people have been displaced by the fighting.
Source: Al Jazeera
