UK Imposes Sanctions on RSF Commanders Over Darfur Atrocities
London, UK – In a significant move to hold perpetrators accountable for egregious human rights violations, the United Kingdom has announced sanctions against four senior commanders of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The targeted individuals, including the deputy leader of the RSF, are accused of orchestrating and overseeing a campaign of severe atrocities in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) confirmed on Friday that asset freezes and travel bans have been imposed on these commanders. The decision stems from compelling evidence of mass killings, systematic sexual violence, and deliberate assaults on civilian populations and humanitarian aid workers operating in the region.
The FCDO’s announcement detailed the specific allegations against each sanctioned individual:
- Abdel Rahim Hamdan Dagalo: As the Deputy Leader of the RSF and brother to RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, widely known as “Hemetti,” Abdel Rahim Hamdan Dagalo is implicated in ethnically targeted executions, gang rape, and attacks directed at those providing essential humanitarian assistance.
- Gedo Hamdan Ahmed: Holding the position of RSF Commander for North Darfur, Ahmed is accused of directing or overseeing the systematic targeting of civilians within his command.
- Brigadier General Al-Fateh Abdullah Idris: This brigadier general is also suspected of having a direct role in the deliberate targeting of civilians and medical personnel in the conflict zones.
- Field Commander Tijani Ibrahim Moussa Mohamed: The FCDO believes this field commander played a crucial part in overseeing or directing attacks against non-combatants and healthcare workers.
The severity of the situation in Sudan was underscored by UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, who stated, “The atrocities taking place in Sudan are so horrific they scar the conscience of the world. Today’s sanctions against RSF commanders strike directly at those with blood on their hands.”
Cooper further elaborated on the overwhelming evidence gathered, highlighting “mass executions, starvation, and the systematic and calculated use of rape as a weapon of war.” This evidence paints a grim picture of the RSF’s conduct in El Fasher.
The FCDO explicitly stated that the RSF’s actions in El Fasher appear to be part of a calculated strategy to instill terror within the local population. The office pointed to corroborating evidence, including satellite imagery that revealed disturbing scenes of “blood-stained sand, clusters of bodies, and evidence of mass graves” in the affected areas.
Increased Humanitarian Support for Sudan
Beyond the punitive measures, the United Kingdom has also pledged substantial additional financial aid to address the escalating humanitarian crisis. A new package of £21 million has been announced, aimed at providing critical resources such as food, clean water, and protection services specifically for women and children in the most severely impacted regions. This latest contribution significantly boosts the UK’s total aid commitment to Sudan for the current year, bringing it to a total of £146 million.
Foreign Secretary Cooper reiterated the UK’s unwavering commitment to the Sudanese people, asserting, “The UK will not look away, and we will always stand with the people of Sudan.” She used the announcement to issue a strong call for all parties involved in the conflict to grant unimpeded access to humanitarian aid organizations.
These sanctions and increased aid follow closely on the heels of a significant diplomatic effort led by the UK at the UN Human Rights Council last month. That initiative resulted in a resolution mandating an urgent inquiry into the escalating violence in El Fasher, signaling a growing international resolve to investigate and address the ongoing human rights abuses in Sudan.
The international community is increasingly scrutinizing the conduct of armed groups in Sudan, with a focus on ensuring accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The UK’s decisive action aims to send a clear message that such brutality will not go unaddressed and that those responsible will face consequences.
The situation in Darfur has been a long-standing concern, but the recent intensification of conflict and the documented atrocities have drawn renewed international attention. The RSF, a paramilitary group, has been a central actor in the ongoing conflict in Sudan, and its commanders are now facing direct international pressure.
The evidence cited by the FCDO, including satellite imagery and witness testimonies, points to a deliberate and systematic campaign of violence. The targeting of civilians, including women and children, and the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war are particularly condemned by international human rights standards.
The sanctions imposed by the UK are designed to isolate these commanders financially and restrict their movement, thereby hindering their ability to continue their alleged destructive activities. The travel bans aim to prevent them from leaving their respective countries or engaging in international travel, while asset freezes will curb their access to financial resources.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and in need of urgent assistance. The UK’s increased aid package is a vital lifeline for many, but the underlying conflict must be addressed to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.
The international community’s response, including the UN Human Rights Council’s inquiry, is a critical step towards establishing the facts and paving the way for potential future legal proceedings. The UK’s sanctions are a proactive measure to exert pressure on those believed to be most responsible for the ongoing suffering.
The FCDO’s statement emphasized the need for all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and to protect civilian populations. The ongoing efforts by the UK and its international partners underscore a commitment to seeking justice for the victims and to preventing further atrocities in Sudan.