Switzerland updates Sudan sanctions records with new allegations against three military and financial figures

BERN, Nov. 3, 2026 — Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) updated the sanctions listings of Suleiman Mirghani Idriss, Abdel Nabi Mohamed Mustafa Ibrahim and Kaikal Abu Aqla Mohamed Ahmed under its Sudan sanctions ordinance, with the amendments taking effect Nov. 3.

The revisions expand the official justifications for the three existing designations, incorporating developments during 2025 and 2026. All three individuals remain subject to financial sanctions and entry and transit restrictions under Switzerland's Ordinance on Measures against Sudan, SR 946.231.18.

Suleiman Mirghani Idriss, a lieutenant general in the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), is identified as director-general of Defense Industry System (DIS), Sudan's largest defense enterprise, which generates an estimated $2 billion in revenue through hundreds of subsidiaries. The amended entry records his appointment in 2026 as assistant for military industries affairs within the SAF. SECO says DIS manufactures weapons, ammunition and military vehicles and has supported military operations against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The listing of Abdel Nabi Mohamed Mustafa Ibrahim, a former Sudanese central bank official, has been expanded to identify him as financial director of the RSF. According to the revised justification, he has helped manage a network of companies associated with the paramilitary organization and maintains connections to Al Khaleej Bank, where companies linked to the family of RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo control more than 60% of the shares.

The amendment also alleges that Ibrahim belongs to a network connected to the RSF leadership that has accumulated extensive property holdings in Dubai. SECO specifically identifies his purchase of a luxury apartment in the Burj Khalifa as evidence that he has benefited from Sudan's conflict.

The third amendment concerns Kaikal Abu Aqla Mohamed Ahmed, a former RSF commander who defected to the SAF in October 2024. The revised listing identifies him as leader of the Sudan Shield Forces, an SAF-aligned militia, since 2025. It cites a December 2025 video in which he allegedly threatened to shoot civilians attempting to flee the besieged city of El Obeid, alongside allegations that his forces deliberately attacked civilians and their property in January 2025.

SECO maintains that Kaikal is responsible for actions threatening Sudan's peace and security, serious human rights violations and obstruction of humanitarian assistance.

The amendments update existing designations rather than impose new sanctions. Mirghani Idriss and Ibrahim were originally listed on July 9, 2024, while Kaikal was designated on Aug. 20, 2025.