UK sanctions 15 Sudan commanders over wartime sexual violence

Britain has sanctioned 15 military commanders, militia leaders and security officials from both sides of Sudan’s conflict, accusing them of sexual violence, torture and attacks on civilians linked to the fall of al-Fashir.

Those targeted include commanders from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces, as well as leaders of armed groups allied to the army, in what London said was its latest effort to hold perpetrators of abuses accountable. The measures impose a travel ban and an asset freeze.

The action comes a year after the fall of al-Fashir, the North Darfur capital that became a focal point of Sudan’s war, where civilians were subjected to a prolonged siege, reported mass killings and widespread sexual violence. After an 18-month siege, the city fell to the RSF in October 2025.

Those named include Hussein Abu Jalak, an RSF colonel linked to atrocities during the siege of al-Fashir, and Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, known as Al-Qubba, who was said to have played a prominent role in the siege.

Britain said the action followed the publication of UK-funded research by the Centre for Information Resilience, which documented what it described as systematic starvation and conflict-related sexual violence against civilians by both sides in the war. London also pledged an additional £15 million in humanitarian and survivor support for Sudan.

The sanctions are accusations by the UK government, not findings of a court, and the individuals have not been convicted in connection with the allegations in this announcement.

Sources:

• Reuters: https://ktwb.com/2026/10/26/uk-sanctions-15-commanders-from-rival-sudan-factions-over-wartime-rape/
• Al Jazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/10/26/britain-sanctions-sudanese-commanders-over-weaponised-rape?traffic_source=rss
• Sky News via Radio X: https://www.radiox.co.uk/news/uk-world/senior-sudanese-commanders-sanctioned-after-b/