Sudanese commander who leads the Sudan Shield Forces, a militia fighting alongside the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), after serving in the Rapid Support Forces.
Is Abu Aqla Kaikal sanctioned?
Listing status
Listed
Status
Listed by 2 jurisdictions: European Union, United Kingdom.
Regulation (EU) 2023/2147 / Decision (CFSP) 2023/2135 (Sudan), Annex I entry 11; listed by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1480 of 18 July 2025
Listed
18 Jul 2025
Scope
Asset freeze, prohibition on making funds or economic resources available, travel ban
Notes
The 2025 statement of reasons cited RSF attacks in Jazira while he was an RSF commander there. On 9 October 2026 the entry was replaced (Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2262) with reasons citing his leadership of the Sudan Shield Forces, a 12 December 2025 video in which, according to the Council, he threatened civilians fleeing El Obeid, and a 10 January 2025 attack on civilians; the Council holds him responsible for serious human rights violations and obstruction of humanitarian aid. The EU regime was extended to 10 October 2027 by Decision (CFSP) 2026/2261.
The Sudan (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020; UK Sanctions List ref SUD0027
Listed
5 Feb 2026
Scope
Asset freeze, travel ban, director disqualification
Notes
The UK statement of reasons says there are reasonable grounds to suspect he is responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law in Sudan, citing violence against the Kanabi people based on ethnicity or religious belief. Positions listed: Head of the Sudan Shield Forces; Senior SAF Commander; former Senior RSF Commander.