World · Africa · 1 hr ago
UK sanctions 15 Sudan commanders over abuses linked to El Fasher
Britain sanctioned 15 commanders and officials from both sides of Sudan’s war on the first anniversary of El Fasher’s fall.
The targets include members of the Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese Armed Forces, as well as leaders of armed groups allied to the army.
El Fasher, a city in North Darfur, endured a prolonged siege before the RSF took control, amid reports of mass killings and widespread sexual violence.
The UK accuses those targeted of sexual violence, torture and attacks on civilians linked to the city’s fall.
The sanctions impose travel bans and asset freezes, and are part of Britain’s effort to hold those responsible for abuses accountable.
Britain also pledged £15 million for humanitarian and survivor support in Sudan.
The country’s conflict has forced millions from their homes, and the UK says its measures aim to keep attention on abuses and support those affected.
The UK sanctioned 15 commanders and officials from rival Sudanese factions over alleged wartime abuses, including sexual violence.
The measures include travel bans and asset freezes.
The sanctions were announced a year after the fall of El Fasher, where civilians endured a prolonged siege and reported mass killings and sexual violence.
The UK said the action followed UK-funded research documenting systematic starvation and conflict-related sexual violence.
Britain also pledged an additional £15 million in humanitarian and survivor support for Sudan.
- Who
- The UK sanctioned 15 commanders, militia leaders and security officials from factions on both sides of Sudan’s conflict.
- What
- It imposed travel bans and asset freezes over alleged sexual violence, torture and attacks on civilians linked to the fall of El Fasher.
- When
- October 26, 2026, a year after the fall of El Fasher.
- Where
- El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, Sudan.
- Why
- The UK said the measures aimed to hold perpetrators of abuses accountable and followed research documenting abuses against civilians.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The RSF besieged El Fasher, with civilians facing starvation.
El Fasher fell, a year before the UK announced the sanctions.
The UK sanctioned 15 commanders and officials and pledged an additional £15 million in support.
- People sanctioned
- 15 commanders, militia leaders and security officials
- Groups named
- Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese Armed Forces
- Measures
- Travel bans and asset freezes
- Humanitarian and survivor support
- Additional £15 million
- Location
- El Fasher, North Darfur, Sudan
3 sources
What people are saying
the horrors that took place at El Fasher will be known to the world
The victims will not be forgotten, survivors will be heard, and we will continue to pursue accountability for those responsible.