By Lucy Adautin
Britain unveiled sanctions targeting companies associated with the opposing factions in Sudan on Monday, as the country grapples with a severe humanitarian crisis following a year of conflict.
Violence erupted between opposing military leaders in the North African nation on April 15th of last year, resulting in the deaths of thousands and forcing approximately 1.8 million individuals to seek refuge in neighboring countries.
Aid workers report that the conflict has plunged the nation of 48 million into a catastrophe, with civilians enduring starvation, sexual violence, widespread ethnic killings, and executions.
The foreign office said “strict measures” will include an asset freeze on companies linked to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and its rival, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
“We continue to see appalling atrocities against civilians, unacceptable restrictions on humanitarian access and an utter disregard for civilian life,” said British foreign minister David Cameron.
“The businesses that support the warring parties must be held to account, alongside those responsible for human rights abuses. The world must not forget about Sudan. We urgently need to end the violence.”
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Targets of the sanctions include Alkhaleej Bank, a financial institution that has been financing the RSF, and Al-Fakher Advanced Works, a holding company used by the organisation to export gold. The proceeds are used to purchase weapons.
Red Rock Mining, a mining and exploration company which provides funds to the SAF, will also be sanctioned. The company is closely linked to Defence Industries System, the economic and manufacturing arm of the SAF, the foreign office said.
France, which is hosting an international conference on Sudan, is seeking aid contributions and increased attention on what officials say is a crisis crowded out by the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
“The civilians here are enduring starvation, mass sexual violence, large-scale ethnic killing, and executions,” said Will Carter, Sudan country director for the Norwegian Refugee Council.
More than 8.5 million people have fled their homes since the start of the war, according to the UN. The World Health Organisation has warned that the country faces a collapsing health system with acute shortages of staff and medicines.
