In an update regarding the severe ongoing civil war in Sudan, the U.S. has confirmed its intention to impose sanctions on the military-led government due to their use of chemical weapons during conflicts last year.
U.S. Announces Sanctions on Sudan's Military Government for Chemical Weapons Use
U.S. Announces Sanctions on Sudan's Military Government for Chemical Weapons Use
The State Department's decision comes after findings that Sudan's military employed chemical weapons amidst ongoing civil conflict.
The United States is set to impose new sanctions on Sudan’s military-led government following reports of its use of chemical weapons against rival paramilitary forces, the State Department announced on Thursday. The statement confirmed that Congress has been notified about a violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, although details on the specific incidents and usage locations remain sparse.
Earlier reports from The New York Times revealed that Sudan’s military had allegedly deployed chemical agents, including chlorine gas, during their battles with the Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.) in rural regions. Concerns have been raised that such weapons might be utilized in urban centers like the capital, Khartoum, which has been contested by both groups since the start of fighting in April 2023.
The forthcoming sanctions, which will take effect on June 6, are anticipated to impede Sudan’s military government by limiting exports and access to U.S. loans. As of now, the Sudanese military leadership has not publicly responded to these announcements, despite previously denying any use of chemical agents.
The U.S. government’s accusations have sparked skepticism amongst Sudanese citizens, who note a lack of local media coverage on the alleged incidents. American officials defended their claims by acknowledging that the scale of chemical weapon usage was minimal, occurring in less populated areas, and proving largely ineffective in combat.
The civil war has had devastating consequences, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands and displacing approximately 13 million individuals, alongside a growing humanitarian crisis characterized by widespread famine. The R.S.F. has been singularly accused of genocide by the U.S., leading to previous sanctions against its commander, Lt. Gen. Mohamed Hamdan, and Sudan’s army chief, Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who is believed to have authorized the chemical weapons usage.
The new sanctions reflect a strong stance by the United States amid a complex and violent political landscape in Sudan, reiterating a commitment to hold accountable those responsible for violations against international law regarding chemical weapons.
