US Expands Sanctions Against Sudan Following Chemical Weapons Accusation

US Imposes Fresh Sanctions on Sudan Over Alleged Chemical Weapons Use

The United States has announced a new round of sanctions against Sudan, accusing the country's military-backed government of using chemical weapons during its ongoing conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The measures, which took effect on Monday, were introduced by the US State Department after concluding that Sudan violated the Chemical Weapons Convention by allegedly deploying chemical agents in 2024. While US authorities have not disclosed specific details about the incidents, previous international reports alleged that chlorine gas was used during the conflict.

The Sudanese government has strongly denied the accusations, describing them as unfounded and politically motivated.

Under the latest sanctions, Sudan faces tighter restrictions on access to US financing and exports, while Sudan-owned airlines are also barred from operating in US airspace.

The civil war, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, has triggered widespread allegations of war crimes and human rights abuses. The United States has previously imposed sanctions on senior figures from both sides of the conflict, including RSF commanders accused of atrocities in Darfur.

Allegations involving chemical weapons are not new. Investigations by international media organisations have previously suggested that chlorine gas may have been used in attacks near strategic locations, although Sudanese authorities have consistently rejected those claims.

Relations between Washington and Khartoum have remained turbulent for decades, marked by sanctions linked to terrorism, conflict in Darfur and political instability. Although some restrictions were lifted after the 2019 removal of former President Omar al-Bashir, new sanctions were imposed following the 2021 military coup and the outbreak of the current war.

The conflict has created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with millions displaced and widespread food insecurity affecting large parts of the country. Diplomatic efforts by the United States and other international partners to broker a ceasefire have so far failed, as fighting between the rival factions continues.

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