UK Sanctions Sudanese Commanders Over El Fasher Violence

The United Kingdom has imposed travel bans and asset freezes on 15 commanders from Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese Armed Forces over suspected sexual violence linked to the siege and fall of El Fasher. The sanctions coincided with the first anniversary of an atrocity in which as many as 10,000 people were reportedly killed over two days and about 40,000 are still unaccounted for. The city endured an 18-month siege, and fewer than 70,000 people are believed to remain, down from a prewar population exceeding one million. The measures target individuals accused of roles in the violence, including RSF Colonel Hussein Abu Jalak and Al-Nour Ahmed Adam. The UK says the action is intended to keep the atrocities in public view. Sanctions raise reputational and financial costs for commanders, but their practical impact depends on enforcement and broader efforts to secure accountability as Sudan’s war continues.