The United Kingdom is considering imposing sanctions on individuals involved in the violent civil conflict in Sudan, with Members of Parliament being briefed on the visible aftermath of the massacres from satellite imagery.
In a recent address to MPs, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighted the dire situation in Sudan, particularly in the city of el-Fasher, where distressing scenes of mass executions, starvation, and the systematic use of rape as a weapon of war have been reported. Cooper referred to the crisis as the most severe humanitarian disaster of the 21st Century, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has resulted in over 30 million people requiring life-saving assistance, with 12 million individuals displaced. Cooper expressed concerns over the escalating situation and the need for immediate intervention to prevent further atrocities.
Furthermore, Cooper announced plans to explore potential sanctions related to human rights abuses in Sudan. In a similar move in April 2024, the government sanctioned businesses supporting the SAF or RSF and froze assets of companies associated with either group. Efforts are underway to secure a three-month humanitarian ceasefire to facilitate the delivery of essential aid to the affected region.
Shifting focus, Cooper also criticized the inadequate efforts by Israel to address violence by settlers in the West Bank. She stressed the importance of stability in the region for achieving lasting peace, especially following the approval by the UN Security Council for the creation of an international stabilisation force in Gaza.
Cooper emphasized the need to sustain momentum and swiftly deploy an international stabilisation force and trained Palestinian police to support the ceasefire and prevent potential exploitation by Hamas. She also called for the prompt establishment of a Palestinian committee to advance peace efforts.
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