Britain freezes assets of 15 Sudan leaders

Britain has imposed sanctions on 15 Sudanese military and security officials from both sides of the civil war. The measures target individuals accused of committing war crimes during the fall of el-Fasher. The sanctions include travel bans and freezes on their assets.

The UK Foreign Office stated the actions aim to ensure the world knows the horrors of el-Fasher. The announcement follows new reporting funded by the UK. The Centre for Information Resilience documented systematic starvation and conflict-related sexual violence against civilians.

UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said those who perpetrated crimes against humanity must be held accountable. He added that external support for the warring parties must end. Miliband described the war in Sudan as a humanitarian catastrophe. He noted that rape and starvation remain weaponized against the population one year after the city's fall.

The sanctions list includes Hussein Abu Jalak, an RSF colonel linked to atrocities during the siege. It also names Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, known as al-Qubba, who played a prominent role in besieging and attacking the city. The measures apply to commanders from the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces.

The UK has allocated five million pounds, or 6.6 million dollars, to support survivors of sexual violence. An additional 10 million pounds, or 13.3 million dollars, will go to humanitarian aid. The funding is part of the country's response to the ongoing crisis.

The fall of el-Fasher marked a focal point of the conflict last year. Civilians faced a prolonged siege, mass killings, and attacks on hospitals. Amnesty International reports that tens of thousands of civilians have been killed since the war began in April 2023. Fourteen million people have been displaced.