UK freezes assets of 15 Sudanese commanders accused of war crimes

The United Kingdom has placed sanctions on 15 Sudanese military and security officials. These individuals are accused of committing war crimes during the capture of el-Fasher last year. The targets include commanders from the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces.

The new measures impose travel bans and freeze assets for the accused. Officials cited sexual violence, torture, and attacks on civilians as primary reasons for the action. The UK Foreign Office stated the goal is to ensure global awareness of events in el-Fasher.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced the decision on Monday. He said 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 ongoing conflict as a humanitarian catastrophe.

The sanctions list includes Hussein Abu Jalak, a Rapid Support Forces colonel. He is linked to atrocities during the el-Fasher siege. The list also names Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, known as al-Qubba. He was identified as playing a prominent role in the city's siege and attack.

The announcement followed the release of a report by the Centre for Information Resilience. That group is funded by the UK government. The report detailed a campaign of systematic starvation and conflict-related sexual violence against civilians in Sudan. The Foreign Office referenced this report in its statement.

London has allocated five million pounds to support survivors of sexual violence in Sudan. The government also committed another ten million pounds in humanitarian aid. These funds are separate from the sanctions package announced for the 15 officials.

The fall of el-Fasher marked a turning point in the civil war that began in April 2023. Amnesty International reports that tens of thousands of civilians have been killed since the conflict started. The organization states that 14 million people have been displaced from their homes.