UK sanctions 15 commanders from rival Sudan factions over wartime rape

UK Sanctions 15 Sudanese Commanders Over Wartime Sexual Violence

Britain Targets Sudanese Military Leaders for Human Rights Abuses

Sanctions Imposed on Commanders and Officials

LONDON, Oct 26 (Reuters) - Britain on Monday sanctioned 15 military commanders, militia leaders and security officials from both sides of Sudan's conflict, accusing them of waging sexual violence, torture and attacks on civilians linked to the fall of al-Fashir.

Groups and Individuals Affected

Those targeted include commanders from the Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese Armed Forces, as well as leaders of armed groups allied to the army, in what London said was its latest effort to hold perpetrators of abuses accountable.

Context of the Sanctions

The Fall of Al-Fashir

The measures come a year after the fall of al-Fashir, the North Darfur capital that became a focal point of Sudan's war, where civilians were subjected to a prolonged siege, reported mass killings and widespread sexual violence.

Research and Evidence

Centre for Information Resilience Findings

Britain said the action followed the publication of UK-funded research by the Centre for Information Resilience, which documented what it described as systematic starvation and conflict-related sexual violence against civilians by both sides in the war.

Humanitarian Response

Financial Support for Sudan

It pledged an additional £15 million ($20 million) in humanitarian and survivor support for Sudan.

Exchange Rate Information

($1 = 0.7487 pounds)

(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti; Editing by Kate Holton)