The UK government has sanctioned Brigadier General Al-Fateh Abdullah Idris, also known as Abu Lulu, a commander in Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF). His role in events in el-Fasher was identified by BBC Verify. Footage showed Brig Gen Idris shooting at least 10 individuals identified as unarmed captives after the RSF took control of el-Fasher in late October. Reports indicate thousands of fatalities followed the RSF's seizure of the city after the army withdrew.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper described the events in Sudan as "a scar on the conscience of the world" and stated they "cannot, and will not, go unpunished." The UK has also imposed sanctions on three other RSF commanders, including Abdul Rahim Hamdan Dagalo, the deputy head.
Dagalo, who was previously sanctioned by the EU in November, was shown in verified footage touring an army base in el-Fasher shortly after the city's fall. He is the brother of RSF chief Mohamed "Hemedti" Dagalo.
Sudan's civil war, which commenced following the collapse of a ruling coalition involving the RSF and military, has continued for over two years. This conflict has resulted in hundreds of thousands of fatalities and displaced millions of people. El-Fasher served as the army's final major stronghold in Darfur, a region traditionally associated with the RSF.
An investigation by BBC Verify detailed methods employed by the RSF during the siege of el-Fasher. These included detaining individuals attempting to transport supplies into the city, reported instances of torture, and the construction of a large sand barrier around the city, which restricted movement for civilians and army personnel.
In its statement announcing the sanctions, the UK foreign office stated its belief that Abu Lulu is "responsible for violence against individuals based on ethnicity and religion, and the deliberate targeting of civilians." Footage confirmed by BBC Verify in October showed Abu Lulu shooting several unarmed individuals identified as captives with an AK-style rifle in an area north-west of the city. RSF troops present were subsequently observed observing their commander's actions.
UK officials accused Abu Lulu, Dagalo, Gedo Hamdan Ahmed, and Tijani Ibrahim Moussa Mohamed of engaging in acts of violence, including mass killings, systematic sexual violence, and deliberate attacks on civilians. These individuals are now subject to travel bans, and any assets they hold will be frozen.
Foreign Secretary Cooper stated that "Today's sanctions against RSF commanders strike directly at those with blood on their hands," while also announcing an increased aid package. The foreign office cited satellite images, previously published by Yale University's Humanitarian Research Lab, which indicated the presence of body accumulations and mass graves in el-Fasher following the incidents. Cooper also pledged an additional £21 million to provide humanitarian aid, including food, shelter, and health services, to civilians affected by fighting in remote areas.
Following the events in el-Fasher, RSF leader General Mohamed "Hemedti" Dagalo acknowledged "violations" by his troops and announced that investigations would be conducted. Abu Lulu was among those arrested. A video posted on the RSF's official Telegram account showed him being led into a prison cell, which BBC Verify geolocated to the outskirts of el-Fasher. The commander, who had previously appeared in online propaganda videos, has not been publicly seen since his arrest. A TikTok account documenting his activities was removed by the company in October after BBC Verify contacted the platform.