The United States is preparing to implement new sanctions against Sudan’s military-led government after determining that it had used chemical weapons in clashes with the Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.). The announcement, made by the State Department, follows months of investigation into the military's actions. Reportedly, chlorine gas was used at least twice in remote locations against the R.S.F. in the past year, raising international alarm regarding the escalation of the ongoing civil war that commenced in April 2023.
U.S. Moves to Sanction Sudan for Chemical Weapons Usage
U.S. Moves to Sanction Sudan for Chemical Weapons Usage
New sanctions are set to be imposed on Sudan following verified use of chemical weapons in its ongoing civil conflict, the State Department confirmed.
Though the State Department offered limited details, it emphasized that this breach of the Chemical Weapons Convention was significant enough to warrant Congressional notification. The sanctions will go into effect on June 6 and are expected to tighten Sudan's access to U.S. loans and restrict exports. Despite the evidence, Sudan's military leadership has denied the claims, and local skepticism remains prevalent due to the lack of reported incidents on the ground.
Fatalities due to the conflict have reached tens of thousands, with accompanying displacement affecting millions and widespread famine emerging as a result. While both factions involved have been accused of war crimes, only the R.S.F. has been labeled genocidal by U.S. authorities. Previous sanctions were also placed on high-ranking military officers including Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who is implicated in the authorization of chemical weapon usage.
The sanctions announcement calls on Sudan to cease its use of chemical weapons and reiterates U.S. commitment to holding accountable all who are responsible for the proliferation of such weapons.
Fatalities due to the conflict have reached tens of thousands, with accompanying displacement affecting millions and widespread famine emerging as a result. While both factions involved have been accused of war crimes, only the R.S.F. has been labeled genocidal by U.S. authorities. Previous sanctions were also placed on high-ranking military officers including Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who is implicated in the authorization of chemical weapon usage.
The sanctions announcement calls on Sudan to cease its use of chemical weapons and reiterates U.S. commitment to holding accountable all who are responsible for the proliferation of such weapons.
