The United States is set to impose sanctions on Sudan after confirming that the Sudanese military used chemical weapons during its ongoing conflict with paramilitary forces. This decision was announced by U.S. Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce, who emphasized the need for Sudan to stop using such weapons and adhere to the Chemical Weapons Convention.
The sanctions are expected to take effect around June 6. They will include restrictions on U.S. exports to Sudan and block access to U.S. government credit lines. Bruce mentioned that Congress has already been informed about this development, but specific details about when and where the chemical weapons were deployed have not been disclosed.
Reports from The New York Times earlier this year indicated that the Sudanese government forces had used chemical weapons on at least two occasions against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group. Officials suggested that chlorine gas might have been used, which can cause severe respiratory issues and even death.
The conflict between Sudan’s army and the RSF began in April 2023, stemming from a power struggle between the two factions. This civil war has led to a dire humanitarian crisis in the country, resulting in thousands of deaths and displacing around 13 million people.
The U.S. has previously accused the RSF and its allies of committing genocide and has sanctioned key leaders, including General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the head of the RSF. Additionally, in January, the U.S. sanctioned Sudan’s military chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, for his refusal to engage in international peace talks.
As the situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, the international community is closely watching how these new sanctions will impact the ongoing conflict and humanitarian conditions in the region.