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The British government has enacted fresh sanctions against six individuals linked to severe human rights violations in Sudan, targeting senior figures within the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). These measures aim to disrupt the ongoing violence that has led to widespread suffering among civilians and to hold accountable those perpetuating these crimes.
A Response to Atrocities
The sanctions focus on commanders implicated in horrific acts against the civilian population, including massacres and the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasised the need for accountability, stating that military leaders and “callous profiteers” must face consequences for their actions.
Cooper’s comments followed her recent visit to the border of Sudan and Chad, where she encountered refugees, including vulnerable women and children who have suffered extreme violence. “For their sake, and the millions of other civilians caught in the middle of this conflict, we urgently need a ceasefire and safe access for humanitarian relief agencies,” she declared.
Key Figures Sanctioned
Among those sanctioned is Hussein Barsham, an RSF field commander accused of perpetrating ethnic violence and forced civilian displacement, especially in the Darfur region. Additionally, Abu Aqla Mohamed Kaikal, a military commander within the SAF, has been identified for his role in atrocities committed in Gezira state in early 2025.
The sanctions also extend to Mustafa Ibrahim Abdel Nabi Mohamed, a financial adviser connected to the RSF and director of the al-Khaleej Bank, who is believed to facilitate the financing of the RSF’s military operations. Furthermore, three individuals involved in recruiting former Colombian military personnel for the RSF have been designated under the new measures.
These actions follow earlier sanctions imposed in December 2025 against four other RSF commanders suspected of similar crimes, indicating a sustained effort by the UK government to address the crisis in Sudan.
The Call for Action
The UK government’s strategy aims not only to impose financial and travel restrictions on these individuals but also to dismantle the operational capabilities of the groups responsible for the violence. Cooper’s insistence on a “price to pay” for military commanders underlines the UK’s commitment to accountability in international conflicts, particularly where human rights are at stake.
Cooper reiterated that the UK’s sanctions are part of a broader strategy to foster peace in the region, calling for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded access for humanitarian organisations to assist those in dire need.
Why it Matters
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in catastrophic humanitarian consequences, with millions affected. The UK’s imposition of sanctions against key military figures sends a clear message that the international community will not tolerate impunity for those who commit atrocities. By holding these leaders accountable, the UK aims to contribute to a more stable and just resolution to the conflict, ultimately ensuring better protection for vulnerable populations caught in the crossfire.