UK sanctions 15 Sudanese commanders over El Fasher atrocities, including sexual violence

The UK Foreign Office said on Monday it had sanctioned 15 senior commanders from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) over suspected atrocities, including conflict-related sexual violence, one year after the RSF took the Darfur city of El Fasher. Those named include RSF colonel Hussein Abu Jalak, whom the government linked to atrocities during the siege, and Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, known as "Al-Qubba", who it said played a prominent role in the attack on the city.

The government also announced £5 million for survivors of sexual violence in Sudan and £10 million for humanitarian aid, citing a rising risk of famine. The measures followed UK-funded research by the Centre for Information Resilience that the government said documented deliberate starvation and sexual violence by both sides. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said those responsible must be held accountable, Al Jazeera reported.

Why it matters: Sudan's war has forced about 14 million people from their homes, according to the Guardian, and the sanctions target commanders on both sides of the conflict rather than one.