UK imposes sanctions on Rapid Support Forces leaders suspected of committing horrific crimes in Sudan
The United Kingdom, today, announced sanctions on senior leaders of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, who are suspected of committing horrific acts of violence, including mass killings, systematic sexual violence, and deliberate attacks on civilians.
The United Kingdom said that among those targeted by these sanctions is Abdelrahim Hamdan Dagalo, brother and deputy leader of the RSF, Lieutenant General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), along with 3 other leaders suspected of involvement in the crimes – all of whom now face asset freezes and restrictions on entry to the UK.
The United Kingdom affirmed that the actions of the Rapid Support Forces in the Al-Fashir area of Sudan are not random, but part of a deliberate strategy to terrorize the population and impose control through fear and violence, noting that the effects of their actions can be seen by images captured from space, which show blood-soaked sandy lands, piles of bodies, and evidence of mass graves where victims’ bodies were buried after being burned.
The United Kingdom indicated that imposing sanctions on RSF leaders suspected of involvement in mass killings and sexual violence in Al-Fashir sends a clear message that all who commit atrocities will be held accountable. This confirms the UK’s commitment to preventing further atrocities.
It added that an additional amount will be allocated to provide an urgent support package to help communities on the brink, including providing food, clean water, healthcare, and protection for women and children in the areas most affected by the violence.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said that the atrocities taking place in Sudan are absolutely horrifying and a stain on the world’s conscience. She pointed out that the irrefutable evidence of horrific crimes – including mass executions, starving civilians, and the systematic use of rape as a weapon of war – will not be overlooked, noting that the sanctions imposed today directly target those whose hands are stained with blood, while the enhanced aid package will provide life-saving support.
It is worth mentioning that the UK is pressuring all parties to end the war and protect civilians, and has repeatedly condemned the violence committed by the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces.
Earlier this month, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a UK-led resolution that condemned the atrocities and mobilized international consensus on mandating an urgent investigation into the atrocities committed in Al-Fashir.
The UK provides technical support to international justice and accountability mechanisms, and this year it invested £1.5 million in the “Sudan Witness” project to monitor, verify, and document human rights violations, including attacks on civilians. It is also exploring the possibility of imposing further sanctions in the context of its efforts to end impunity and hold those who commit these atrocities accountable.
United News Network – UNN Arabic
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