Britain hits Sudan war leaders with asset freezes

Britain imposed asset freezes and travel bans on 15 Sudanese military figures on Monday. The sanctions target commanders from the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces. Officials accused these individuals of war crimes during the siege of el-Fasher. The measures include freezing financial assets and restricting travel to the United Kingdom.

The Foreign Office stated the goal is to ensure the events in el-Fasher are known globally. The decision followed the release of a report by the Centre for Information Resilience. This UK-funded organization documented a campaign of systematic starvation and conflict-related sexual violence. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said those who committed crimes against humanity must face accountability. He also called for an end to external support for the warring parties.

Specific names in the new list include Hussein Abu Jalak, a colonel in the Rapid Support Forces. He is linked to atrocities during the siege. Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, known as al-Qubba, was also sanctioned. Officials identified him as playing a prominent role in besieging and attacking the city. Both men face the new restrictions immediately.

The fall of el-Fasher marked a turning point in the Sudanese civil war. The city became a focal point last year as civilians endured a prolonged siege. Reports detailed mass killings, widespread sexual violence, and attacks on hospitals. Miliband described the current situation as a humanitarian catastrophe. He noted that rape and starvation are still being used as weapons against the population.

Alongside the sanctions, the UK government allocated funding for relief efforts. Five million pounds, or $6.6 million, will support survivors of sexual violence. An additional 10 million pounds, or $13.3 million, is designated for general humanitarian aid. These funds aim to assist those affected by the ongoing conflict.

The war began in April 2023. Since then, tens of thousands of civilians have been killed, according to Amnesty International. Approximately 14 million people have been displaced from their homes. The new sanctions represent a diplomatic response to the documented abuses in the Darfur region.

The next phase involves monitoring compliance with the asset freezes. The Foreign Office will review the effectiveness of the measures. No further dates for additional reviews were specified in the announcement.