The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed all regulated entities to act on the latest UNSC Al-Qaida sanctions list update. The circular, dated July 9, 2026, instructs banks and financial institutions to comply with Section 51A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. This update follows a UNSC press release issued on July 8, 2026.
Key Details of the UNSC Sanctions Amendment
The United Nations Security Council amended one entry on its ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List. The individual affected is Hamidah Nabaggala (QDi.439), a Ugandan national listed on March 30, 2026, and amended on July 8, 2026. According to the UNSC, she works as a mediator in ISIL financing channels across Central Africa. Additionally, authorities have charged her with financing a 2021 bombing in Kampala, Uganda.
The amended entry updates her date of birth and passport details. Her passport number is A00044599, valid until March 19, 2029. She currently resides in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As a result of this listing, she remains subject to an assets freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo under UNSC Resolution 2734 (2024).
What This Means for Banks and Financial Institutions
The RBI has asked all regulated entities to take immediate action under Chapter IX of the RBI Know Your Customer (KYC) Directions, 2025. Therefore, banks must ensure they hold no accounts linked to sanctioned individuals or entities. This obligation applies to commercial banks, small finance banks, payment banks, NBFCs, and all other regulated institutions.
Furthermore, entities must strictly follow the UAPA Order dated February 2, 2021, as amended on April 22, 2024. Banks should also check the updated UNSC Al-Qaida sanctions list regularly at the official UN Security Council website. Meanwhile, any de-listing requests received by banks must be forwarded electronically to the Joint Secretary (CTCR), Ministry of Home Affairs.
How to Request De-listing
Individuals or entities seeking removal from the UNSC Al-Qaida sanctions list can approach the UN Ombudsperson. The Secretary-General of the United Nations independently appoints this official. However, banks themselves must route any such requests through MHA before forwarding them further.
The RBI has urged all regulated entities to note these communications and ensure meticulous compliance. Non-compliance with UAPA obligations can carry serious legal and regulatory consequences.
Source: RBI Notifications
