UK Sanctions 15 Sudan Commanders Over El Fasher Atrocities

• The UK has sanctioned 15 senior military commanders from Sudan's Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese Armed Forces.
• These sanctions target individuals suspected of atrocities, including conflict-related sexual violence, during the fall of El Fasher.
• Specific commanders sanctioned include Hussein Abu Jalak of the RSF and Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, who defected from the RSF to the SAF in April 2026, both linked to the siege of El Fasher.
• The measures impose a travel ban and asset freeze on the designated individuals.
• UK officials state the sanctions aim to ensure accountability for crimes against humanity and highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

These sanctions represent a concrete step in the broader effort to address the systemic issues of conflict-related sexual violence and deliberate starvation, which UK-backed investigations have consistently highlighted as tactics employed by all sides in the Sudanese conflict.

The United Kingdom recently imposed sanctions on 15 senior military commanders from both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), citing their alleged involvement in atrocities, including conflict-related sexual violence, during the siege of El Fasher. This action, announced a year after the fall of North Darfur State's capital, aims to hold individuals accountable for severe human rights abuses. Among those specifically named are Hussein Abu Jalak, an RSF colonel, who has been linked to atrocities committed during the El Fasher siege, and Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, also known as 'Al-Qubba,' who defected from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in April 2026, was identified for his significant role in the city's encirclement and assault.

UK Minister of State for International Development and Africa Kirsty McNeill emphasized that these measures are designed to bring accountability for the horrific violence witnessed in El Fasher and to support survivors in rebuilding their lives. The sanctions package, introduced last week, includes both a travel ban and an asset freeze for the designated individuals. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband further underscored the gravity of the situation, stating that the war in Sudan has precipitated a humanitarian catastrophe, with UK-funded investigations revealing the continued weaponization of rape and starvation against the Sudanese populace, particularly a year after the atrocities in El Fasher. He asserted that such acts constitute crimes against humanity, demanding accountability for perpetrators and an end to external backing for all warring factions.

The ongoing armed conflict in Sudan, which commenced on April 15, 2023, primarily pits the Sudanese Armed Forces against the Rapid Support Forces, though other armed groups are also involved, according to United Nations reports. This conflict has plunged Sudan into what is currently recognized as the world's most extensive humanitarian crisis. Investigations supported by the UK have consistently uncovered widespread campaigns of deliberate starvation and conflict-related sexual violence perpetrated by all sides involved in the hostilities.

The humanitarian crisis extends beyond mere financial need, as highlighted by Minister McNeill. Effective response necessitates unimpeded access for aid, strict adherence to international humanitarian law, and an unwavering commitment to respecting human rights and preserving lives amidst truly unspeakable conditions. The UK's recent sanctions underscore the international community's growing concern over the systematic nature of these abuses.

Speaking from Geneva on November 4, Minister McNeill outlined the UK's comprehensive approach to Sudan, characterizing it as a top priority. She described the UK's strategy as one of "partnership, not paternalism," fostering "brisk business-like relationships of equals" to collaborate with partner nations in strengthening their systems. This engagement occurs bilaterally with government counterparts and through multilateral channels.

The UK also actively supports Sudanese civil society, human rights defenders, journalists, and researchers, providing them with platforms to articulate their perspectives directly. As a founding member of the Coalition for Atrocity Prevention and Justice in Sudan and a key initiator of the international coalition on atrocity prevention, the UK has been a significant proponent of the fact-finding mission on Sudan, with which McNeill recently engaged during her visit. This multifaceted approach aims to address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term accountability.

The imposition of a travel ban and asset freeze on these 15 commanders serves as a direct consequence for their alleged roles in the atrocities. This targeted action is intended not only to penalize those responsible but also to ensure that the severe human rights violations that occurred in El Fasher are brought to global attention. The UK government's stance is clear: perpetrators of such crimes must be held accountable, and the international community must collectively work to end all forms of support to the warring parties.

By specifically targeting individuals like Hussein Abu Jalak and Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, the UK aims to disrupt the ability of key figures to finance or travel, thereby limiting their capacity to perpetuate further violence. These sanctions represent a concrete step in the broader effort to address the systemic issues of conflict-related sexual violence and deliberate starvation, which UK-backed investigations have consistently highlighted as tactics employed by all sides in the Sudanese conflict.

Lawyers advising clients with operations or interests in Sudan must assess potential exposure to UK sanctions, particularly concerning individuals and entities linked to the Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese Armed Forces, to ensure compliance with asset freezes and travel bans. Compliance officers should update their screening protocols to include these newly designated individuals.

Source: Original reporting via press conference statements