Sudan: U.S. sanctions over alleged chemical weapons use come into force
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The U.S. enforces sanctions on Sudan after allegations of chemical weapons use, excluding only humanitarian assistance from restrictions.
U.S. Sanctions on Sudan Over Alleged Chemical Weapons Use Come Into Force
Arms sales, exports, and financial aid halted for at least a year — humanitarian support excluded
The United States has officially imposed new sanctions on Sudan, citing allegations that chemical weapons were used by the Sudanese military during operations against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The embargo, which will remain in place for at least one year, includes restrictions on U.S. exports, arms sales, and financial assistance to the war-torn nation. Only humanitarian aid is exempt from the sanctions.
Leaders Already Sanctioned
Sudan’s military leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and his former deputy and RSF chief, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (also known as Hemedti), are already under U.S. sanctions for their roles in the conflict that erupted in April 2023.
Chlorine Gas Allegations Trigger Action
The latest action by Washington follows a New York Times report earlier this year, citing unnamed U.S. officials, which accused Sudanese government forces of using chlorine gas during combat operations. Chlorine gas, when weaponized, causes severe respiratory pain, lung damage, and can be fatal.
Sudanese officials have strongly denied the allegations, calling them unfounded and politically motivated.
A Country in Collapse
The civil war between the Sudanese army and RSF has plunged the country into chaos, killing tens of thousands and displacing more than 13 million people. The United Nations now classifies Sudan as facing the worst humanitarian crisis globally.
Hospitals have been bombed, supply lines severed, and ethnic violence has surged in several regions, particularly in Darfur.
No Quick Relief in Sight
Despite diplomatic efforts, including African Union mediation and U.S.-brokered ceasefire talks, no lasting truce has been reached. Aid agencies continue to report blocked access to affected areas, and fears of famine and disease outbreaks are mounting.
The sanctions are expected to add further economic pressure on Sudan’s military leadership, but analysts warn they may also complicate peace negotiations and access to critical supplies.
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