Britain had on Monday announced sanctions against the companies linked to the warring parties in Sudan. This is as Sudan is facing a major humanitarian disaster after a year of conflict.
The conflict which broke out between rival generals in the north African country on April 15, 2023, had killed thousands and caused an estimated 1.8 million people to runaway to neighbouring countries.
Humanitarian workers have said that the conflict has led to a catastrophe in the country with a population of 48 million, with many civilians suffering starvation, sexual violence, large-scale ethnic killing, and executions.
The foreign office had said that its “strict measures” will include an asset freeze on the companies linked to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and its rival, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
In David Cameron’s words:
“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 stop the violence.”
It is noteworthy to mention that the targets of the sanctions include: Alkhaleej Bank (a financial institution that has been financing the RSF), 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 mining company is closely tied with the Defence Industries System, the economic and manufacturing arm of the SAF, the foreign office had claimed.
France, while hosting an international conference on Sudan, is currently seeking aid contributions and increased attention on what officials have said is a crisis crowded out by the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
Over 8.5 million people have fled their homes since the beginning of the war, according to the UN.
The World Health Organisation has warned that the country faces a failing health system with acute shortages of staff and medicines.
The UK’s decision to impose sanctions on companies linked to the Sudan conflict is a long-overdue step towards holding accountable, heartless establishments who profit from the bloodshed and loss of lives accountable those who profit from war and human suffering.
It’s appalling that businesses would finance armed groups in Sudan, contributing to the violence and wreckage that has left millions displaced and facing untold hardships.
David Cameron’s call to action harps on the urgent need for global intervention to end the violence in Sudan (something that is long overdue) and address the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
There is also the need to spotlight the ongoing Sudan Crises, the way the other conflicts (Ukraine-Russia war; Isreal-Gaza war) are being reported on.
