The UK is putting sanctions on companies it says are linked to leaders of the Sudanese armed forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
These warring factions have been involved in a bloody battle for power in Sudan since April, which has forced more than 680,000 to flee the country. A further 2.2 million are reported to have been internally displaced, while 25 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance.
Multi-billion-dollar conglomerates and companies associated with the SAF and RSF have provided them with a steady source of funds and weapons, enabling the continuation of fighting which has seen atrocities committed against civilians. The UK Government hopes that strict new measures placed on these entities will limit their financial freedom by preventing UK citizens, companies and banks from dealing with them and put pressure on the SAF and RSF to engage in the peace process.
The sanctions will not impact vital aid to the region and include a humanitarian exemption, ensuring that aid can continue to be delivered by the UN and other eligible organisations.
The UK's Foreign Secretary James Cleverly commented:
"These sanctions are directly targeting those whose actions have destroyed the lives of millions. Both sides have committed multiple ceasefire violations in a war, which is completely unjustified.
Innocent civilians continue to face the devastating effects of the hostilities, and we simply cannot afford to sit-by and watch as money from these companies, all funding the RSF or SAF, is spent on a senseless conflict. Working with international partners, we will continue to do all we can to support a meaningful peace process, stop the violence and secure free humanitarian access.
These new measures are aimed at pressing the parties driving the conflict to engage in a sustained and meaningful peace process, stop blocking life-saving humanitarian aid into Sudan, and end the violence and atrocities."
The UK's Minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell said:
"The SAF and RSF have dragged Sudan into a wholly unjustified war, with utter disregard for the Sudanese people, and must be held accountable. These sanctions are designed to pressure the parties to engage in a meaningful and lasting peace process."