UK has sanctioned four senior leaders of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over “heinous crimes” committed during the country’s civil war.
In a statement, the UK Foreign Office announced that the four sanctioned Commanders are “suspected of heinous violence in El Fasher, Sudan, including mass killings, systematic sexual violence and deliberate attacks on civilians.”
Those targeted include Abdul Rahim Hamdan Dagalo, the RSF Deputy Leader and brother of RSF leader General Hemedti, as well as three other Commanders that are suspected of involvement in these crimes – who all now face asset freezes and travel bans.
The Foreign Office asserted that the RSF’s actions in El Fasher are are part of a deliberate strategy to terrorise populations and seize control through fear and violence.
“The impact of their actions is visible from space. Satellite images of El Fasher show blood-stained sand, clusters of bodies, and evidence of mass graves where victims have been burned and buried. There needs to be accountability for these actions, and urgent steps taken to avoid this happening again.”
UK Foreign Office
It added that UK sanctioning of senior RSF Commanders suspected of mass killings and sexual violence in El Fasher sends a clear message that those who commit atrocities will be held to account. “This reflects the UK’s determination to prevent further atrocities,” it said.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper noted in the statement that the atrocities taking place in Sudan are “so horrific they scar the conscience of the world.”
She added that the “overwhelming evidence of heinous crimes” – mass executions, starvation, and the systematic and calculated use of rape as a weapon of war – cannot and will not go unpunished.
“Today’s sanctions against RSF commanders strike directly at those with blood on their hands, while our strengthened aid package will deliver lifesaving support to those suffering. The UK will not look away, and we will always stand with the people of Sudan.”
Yvette Cooper
The UK called for an immediate end to atrocities, the protection of civilians, and the removal of barriers to humanitarian access by all parties to the conflict.
Also, The UK urged all parties to end the war and protect civilians and has repeatedly condemned the violence perpetrated by the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
Last month, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a UK-led resolution condemning the atrocities and securing international consensus to mandate an urgent inquiry into atrocities in El Fasher.
“We are exploring the possibility of further sanctions as part of our efforts to end impunity and demonstrate that those who commit atrocities are held to account.”
UK Foreign Office
UK Pledges Additional Humanitarian Support For Sudan
The UK is also committing a further £21 million package of urgent support to communities on the brink, providing food, clean water, health care, and protection for women and children in areas hardest hit by violence amid the crisis in Sudan.
This lifeline will empower aid organisations to reach 150,000 people with essentials like food, medical care, and emergency shelter, as well as to keep hospitals running and reconnect families torn apart by conflict.
UK aid commitments to Sudan this year rises to £146 million, underscoring the country’s commitment to stand with the Sudanese people and meet humanitarian needs.
The Office urged all parties to the conflict to allow unhindered passage for humanitarian workers, supplies, and trapped civilians.
The humanitarian situation in Sudan is the worst in the world, with 30 million people in desperate need of assistance. A further 12 million people have been driven from their homes. Famine and preventable diseases are rampant.
Nearly 5 million Sudanese refugees have fled the country to the region. Some are at risk of falling prey to traffickers and smuggling gangs. The UK is providing support to refugees in the region to help discourage perilous onward journeys.
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