U.S. to Impose Sanctions on Sudan Over Use of Chemical Weapons

The United States has announced it will impose sanctions on Sudan after confirming that the Sudanese government used chemical weapons during ongoing conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in 2024. The measures, including limitations on exports and U.S. government credit lines, are expected to take effect around June 6, following Congressional notification.

The State Department's statement urged Sudan to cease all chemical weapons use and comply with its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which bans the use of such arms. Sudan’s foreign ministry has yet to respond.

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The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, stems from a power struggle between the army and RSF, resulting in widespread displacement, famine, and ethnically-driven violence. The U.S. has previously sanctioned Sudanese officials, including army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, accusing them of escalating the conflict and engaging in war crimes. Reports from U.S. officials indicate that Sudanese forces have used chemical weapons at least twice during the conflict.

The decision follows years of diplomatic and economic pressures on Sudan to adhere to international arms control treaties and end hostilities affecting millions of civilians.