The UK government has increased its use of targeted sanctions as part of its foreign policy response to armed conflicts and atrocity risks. These measures are designed to restrict finances, travel, and commercial access for individuals linked to violence and destabilisation.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office announced on 5 February 2026 that the UK has imposed immediate sanctions on six individuals accused of fuelling the Sudan conflict, following a visit by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to the Sudan–Chad border and linked to alleged atrocities, recruitment, and military supply activity.
The UK Sudan sanctions package announced by the Foreign Secretary applies to six named individuals connected to the Rapid Support Forces, Sudanese Armed Forces, recruitment networks, and a sanctioned bank structure, and took effect immediately.
The measures form part of the UK’s stated effort to increase pressure for a ceasefire, support humanitarian access, and reinforce accountability using the UK sanctions regime.
Sanctions Announcement and Government Authority
The announcement was issued under UK sanctions powers and presented by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper following her border visit. The stated purpose is to restrict those accused of fuelling violence and atrocities in Sudan.
According to the FCDO release, the designations cover individuals suspected of commanding forces, enabling recruitment, or supporting military financing structures.
The operational effect is asset freezes and related sanctions restrictions under UK rules. The neutral reading is that the UK has expanded its Sudan sanctions list through a formal designation action.
New Sudan Sanction Individuals
| Name | Role / Affiliation | Alleged Activities / Reasons for UK Designation (5 Feb) |
|---|---|---|
| Hussein Barsham | RSF field commander | Responsible for mass atrocities including ethnic violence, forced displacement, and attacks on civilians, especially in Darfur. |
| Abu Aqla Mohamed Kaikal | SAF military commander; leader of the Sudan Shield Forces | Commanded forces responsible for atrocities committed in early 2025 in Gezira state. |
| Mustafa Ibrahim Abdel Nabi Mohamed | Director of UK-sanctioned al-Khaleej Bank; majority shareholder of Shield Protective Solutions Co. Ltd. (Sudan); financial adviser to RSF leader | Suspected of facilitating illicit financing of the RSF’s military campaign. |
| Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero | RSF associate | Involved in recruiting former Colombian military personnel to train and fight for the RSF. |
| Mateo Andres Duque Botero | RSF associate | Involved in recruiting former Colombian military personnel to train and fight for the RSF. |
| Alvaro Andres Quijano Becerra | RSF associate | Involved in recruiting former Colombian military personnel to train and fight for the RSF. |
Who Is Targeted Under the Measures
The FCDO states that those designated include senior commanders linked to the Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese Armed Forces. The release also names individuals accused of recruiting foreign fighters and facilitating military equipment supply. Additionally, one designation targets the director of a previously UK-sanctioned bank connected to RSF financial structures.
The government attributes the listings to suspected atrocities, conflict support, and recruitment networks, as described in the official notice. The real-world effect is that listed persons face UK financial and travel restrictions. The neutral synthesis is that the targeting categories are defined by role type in the published sanctions notice.
- RSF field commander designation
- SAF-linked commander designation
- Foreign fighter recruitment figures
- Conflict-linked finance role
Designated Roles in This Sanctions Round
| Armed Group Commanders | RSF and SAF-linked leaders named |
| Recruitment Network Figures | Individuals tied to foreign fighter recruitment |
| Finance Channel Figure | Director of UK-sanctioned bank listed |
| Basis | Suspected atrocities and conflict support |
Humanitarian Context and Border Visit Findings
The sanctions announcement followed the Foreign Secretary’s visit to the Sudan–Chad border, where she met refugees and humanitarian responders. The FCDO release records meetings with women and children displaced by violence and with frontline aid workers delivering food and medical support. The visit is cited as direct context for the timing of the sanctions action.
The same release references humanitarian data from the World Health Organization describing large-scale displacement and food insecurity in Sudan. It also notes that the UK has allocated £146 million in humanitarian support this financial year, including a £21 million increase announced in December.
The measurable effect is documented UK aid funding and field engagement, while the neutral synthesis is that sanctions and aid are presented together in the official response.
Wider UK Sudan Strategy and UN Track
The FCDO states that the sanctions form part of a broader UK strategy on Sudan using UN, G7, and regional channels. The UK will prioritise Sudan during its February UN Security Council presidency, focusing on humanitarian access, accountability, and coordinated international pressure. Additionally, the UK plans to co-host an international conference with Germany marking the third anniversary of the conflict.
The department also notes that four RSF commanders were sanctioned on 12 December 2025 in an earlier round. The practical effect is a staged expansion of designations over time. The neutral synthesis is that the February action builds on previously published UK sanctions decisions.
Ministerial Comments
Yvette Cooper, Foreign Secretary said;
“Through these sanctions, we will seek to dismantle the war machine of those who perpetrate or profit from the brutal violence in Sudan, and we will send a message to every individual responsible for commanding these armies and committing these atrocities that they will one day be held to account.”
In a Nutshell
The UK has added six new Sudan-related designations under its sanctions regime, targeting commanders, recruiters, and finance-linked figures identified in the FCDO notice.
The action follows a border visit by the Foreign Secretary and sits alongside published humanitarian funding and UN Security Council priorities. The official record presents sanctions, aid, and diplomatic coordination as parallel parts of the UK response.
Sources: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
