UK sanctions 15 Sudanese leaders over violence against civilians
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Sowetan
The UK has sanctioned 15 Sudanese military commanders, militia leaders and security officials accused of sexual violence, torture and attacks on civilians linked to the fall of Al-Fashir. London also announced an additional £15 million for humanitarian aid and support for survivors, according to Reuters.
The UK sanctioned 15 military officials, militia leaders and security officials from both sides of the war in Sudan on Monday. London accuses them of sexual violence, torture and attacks on civilians linked to the capture of El Fasher, according to Reuters.
Those targeted include commanders of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the Sudanese Armed Forces and armed groups allied with the army. The decision comes a year after El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, was captured, after civilians endured a prolonged siege, reported massacres and widespread sexual violence.
The British government said the sanctions followed the publication of a UK-funded study conducted by the Centre for Information Resilience. The study documents what it describes as systematic starvation and conflict-related sexual violence against civilians committed by both sides.
London also announced an additional £15 million, about 331.1 million rand, for humanitarian aid in Sudan and support for survivors. Reports of ongoing torture and detention in the city followed the capture of El Fasher, according to an article on the situation after the RSF captured El Fasher.
