UK Freezes Assets of 15 Sudanese Officials Over El-Fasher Atrocities

The United Kingdom imposed travel bans and asset freezes on 15 Sudanese military and security officials on October 26, 2026. These individuals include commanders from the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces who served on both sides of the ongoing civil war.

The sanctions target leaders accused of committing war crimes during the fall of el-Fasher. Charges include sexual violence, torture, and direct attacks on civilians. The UK Foreign Office stated the goal is to ensure the world learns about the horrors that occurred in the city.

The decision followed a report funded by the UK government from the Centre for Information Resilience. That investigation documented a campaign of systematic starvation and conflict-related sexual violence against Sudanese civilians. It also marked the one-year anniversary of the city's fall, a period characterized by a prolonged siege, mass killings, and hospital strikes.

Specific names in the sanctions list include RSF Colonel Hussein Abu Jalak, who is linked to atrocities during the siege. The list also features Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, known as al-Qubba, who played a prominent role in the initial attack on the city. Other officials from both military factions were included in the package.

UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said perpetrators of crimes against humanity must be held accountable. He called for an end to external support for the warring parties. Miliband described the conflict as a humanitarian catastrophe and noted that rape and starvation remain active tools of war.

Alongside the sanctions, the UK allocated five million pounds, or $6.6 million, to support survivors of sexual violence. An additional 10 million pounds, or $13.3 million, was designated for general humanitarian aid. This financial commitment accompanies the diplomatic measures aimed at the 15 targeted individuals.

The war in Sudan began in April 2023. According to Amnesty International, tens of thousands of civilians have died in the conflict. Currently, 14 million people remain displaced from their homes due to the fighting and its aftermath.