UK sanctions Sudan commanders, Colombian mercenary network
February 5, 2026 (LONDON) – Britain on Thursday imposed sanctions on six people for fuelling Sudan’s civil war, including commanders allied to both warring factions and individuals running a foreign mercenary recruitment network.
The measures – asset freezes, travel bans and director disqualifications – were announced as the United Kingdom holds the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for February.
Those sanctioned include Abu Aqla Mohamed Kaikal, head of the Sudan Shield Forces and a senior commander in the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). Kaikal, a former RSF commander, is accused of overseeing violations of international humanitarian law targeting the Kanabi people based on their ethnicity or religious beliefs.
The government also designated Hussein Barsham, a Rapid Support Forces (RSF) field commander, alleged to be responsible for promoting mass atrocities, including targeted executions.
Mustafa Ibrahim Abdel Nabi Mohamed, a financial adviser to the RSF and director of Alkhaleej Bank Co Ltd, was sanctioned on suspicion of providing financial services that enabled RSF military operations, including the siege of El Fasher.
In a significant expansion of the sanctions regime, Britain targeted a network of Colombian nationals accused of recruiting foreign mercenaries to fight alongside the RSF.
Alvaro Andres Quijano Becerra, a retired army colonel and recruiter for A4SI, was sanctioned for deploying Colombian fighters to combat zones, including the besieged city of El Fasher.
The network also includes Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, owner of Zeuz Global Ltd and A4SI, and Mateo Andres Duque Botero, a director at Zeuz Global Ltd. Both are suspected of facilitating the recruitment of former Colombian military personnel.
The government said the sanctions target those responsible for actions that threaten Sudan’s peace, stability, and security. The announcement comes amid a worsening humanitarian situation, with millions at risk as warring parties continue destabilising activities.