UK imposes travel bans on 15 Sudanese leaders over El Fasher crimes

British citizens and foreign nationals connected to the Sudanese conflict now face restrictions on travel and banking. The United Kingdom sanctioned 15 military commanders, militia leaders, and security officials on Monday. These individuals serve on both sides of the ongoing civil war. The measures target figures accused of committing war crimes during the fall of el-Fasher in October 2025. The sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes.

The decision follows a review of reports funded by the British government. The Centre for Information Resilience documented a campaign of systematic starvation and conflict-related sexual violence against civilians. UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stated that perpetrators of crimes against humanity must be held accountable. He added that support from external backers for the warring parties must end.

The war began in April 2023 when fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. For months, civilians in el-Fasher endured a prolonged siege. Witnesses reported mass killings, widespread sexual violence, and attacks on hospitals. The city became a central front in the conflict during that period.

The Foreign Office named several specific individuals in the sanction list. Hussein Abu Jalak, an RSF colonel, is linked to atrocities during the siege. Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, also known as al-Qubba, was identified as a prominent figure in the attack on the city. The list includes other leaders from both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces.

London allocated five million pounds to support survivors of sexual violence in Sudan. The government also committed another 10 million pounds to humanitarian aid. Miliband noted that the conflict has created a humanitarian catastrophe. He said that rape and starvation continue to be weaponised against the population.

Amnesty International estimates that tens of thousands of civilians have died since the war started. The organization reports that 14 million people have been displaced from their homes. The new sanctions mark a specific diplomatic response to the events of the past year in el-Fasher.

The sanctions take effect immediately for the 15 named individuals. They will not be able to enter UK territory or hold assets in the British financial system. The Foreign Office aims for the actions to ensure that the events in el-Fasher are known to the world.