UK sanctions senior commanders implicated in campaign of rape in Sudan and unveils new support for survivors

One year after the fall of El Fasher, the UK is today bringing forward a new package of action designed to shine a spotlight on the horrific violence seen during the siege of the city - and help survivors rebuild their lives. 

15 senior commanders from both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have been sanctioned for suspected atrocities, including conflict-related sexual violence. This includes Hussein Abu Jalak, an RSF colonel linked to atrocities during the siege of El Fasher, and Al-Nour Ahmed Adam (“Al-Qubba”), identified as present and playing a prominent role in besieging and attacking the city. 

The sanctions impose a travel ban and asset freeze on those designated, while further ensuring the horrors that took place at El Fasher will be known to the world. 

The announcement follows the release of UK-funded reporting by the Centre for Information Resilience (CIR), revealing a campaign of systematic starvation and conflict-related sexual violence against civilians in Sudan from both sides of the conflict.  

The war in Sudan has created a humanitarian catastrophe. 

A year on from the atrocities in El Fasher, UK-funded investigations have shown that rape and starvation are still being weaponised against the people of Sudan. 

These are crimes against our humanity - the perpetrators must be held accountable and support from all external backers to the warring parties must end.