Britain Imposes Sanctions on 15 Sudanese Military Commanders, Including Al-Nour Al-Qubba
London – Sudanhorizon
The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on 15 senior commanders from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces over suspected involvement in atrocities, including conflict-related sexual violence, during the fall of El Fasher.
Those sanctioned include Hussein Abu Jaluk, an RSF colonel linked to atrocities committed during the siege of El Fasher, and Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, known as Al-Qubba, who has been reported to have played a prominent role in the siege and attack on the city. The statement did not name the other individuals. The sanctions include travel bans preventing those targeted from entering the United Kingdom and the freezing of their assets. They also aim to ensure that the horrors witnessed in El Fasher are exposed and brought to the attention of the international community.
In a press release issued today, coinciding with the first anniversary of El Fasher’s fall, the British Foreign Office announced a package of measures to highlight the horrific violence endured by the city during its siege and help survivors rebuild their lives.
The statement explained that the measures follow investigations supported by the United Kingdom that uncovered a campaign of deliberate starvation and sexual violence used by all sides in the war as weapons of combat.
Survivors are expected to receive additional support, while the United Kingdom increases humanitarian assistance in El Obeid and North Darfur, as the war and drought associated with the El Niño phenomenon threaten to trigger famine.
The statement quoted Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband as saying: “The war in Sudan has caused a humanitarian catastrophe. One year after the atrocities committed in El Fasher, investigations funded by the United Kingdom have revealed the continued use of rape and starvation as weapons of war against the Sudanese people. These are crimes against our common humanity, and those responsible must be held accountable. All external actors supporting the warring parties must stop their support.”
He added: “The El Niño phenomenon may worsen an already deteriorating situation, but the deepening famine is being driven by the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces. Both parties must stop attacking aid convoys and allow food to reach communities in need.”
As part of the announced assistance, the United Kingdom will allocate £5 million to support survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in Sudan. The funding will cover a range of services and supplies, including sexual and reproductive healthcare, maternal health services, psychosocial support, and safe spaces for women and girls.
A further £10 million package will support the ongoing humanitarian response to Sudan’s deteriorating crisis. The risk of famine is increasing due to attacks on markets, health centres, displacement camps and other infrastructure, restrictions on humanitarian access, and drought associated with El Niño.
The funding will help provide clean water and sanitation services at displacement sites around Tawila, reducing the risk of disease outbreaks. It will also support healthcare, protection services and other humanitarian assistance in El Obeid, where the war and restrictions on aid deliveries have left civilians facing severe needs.
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