The United States will impose sanctions on Sudan following a formal determination that the Sudanese government used chemical weapons during its ongoing war with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the State Department announced Thursday.
The U.S. government’s finding — that Sudan violated its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) — was submitted to Congress on Thursday. A 15-day notification period now begins, after which the sanctions will take effect, expected around June 6, upon publication in the Federal Register.
According to the State Department, the sanctions will include restrictions on U.S. exports to Sudan and limitations on access to U.S. government credit lines, cutting Sudan off from a range of commercial and financial support channels.
“The United States calls on the Government of Sudan to cease all chemical weapons use and uphold its obligations under the CWC,” the statement said. “The United States remains fully committed to hold to account those responsible for contributing to chemical weapons proliferation.”
The sanctions come as Sudan remains engulfed in a brutal civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023. The conflict has killed more than 20,000 people and displaced over 15 million, according to UN figures and local authorities. However, independent U.S. research places the death toll much higher — around 130,000.
The alleged use of chemical weapons adds a grave dimension to a conflict already considered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The U.S. has not disclosed specific details about when and where chemical weapons were used, but said the determination is based on classified intelligence and independent verification consistent with treaty standards.
Sudan is a signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention, which bans the development, stockpiling, and use of chemical agents in warfare. Non-compliance can trigger punitive international measures, including trade restrictions and diplomatic isolation.
The U.S. sanctions are expected to put additional economic pressure on Sudan's fractured military leadership, as both the SAF and RSF face international condemnation for indiscriminate violence, atrocities against civilians, and the obstruction of humanitarian aid.
While Washington reiterated its support for diplomatic solutions, Thursday’s decision underscores a hardened stance toward Sudan’s ruling authorities and an effort to deter the further use of prohibited weapons in the conflict.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused the U.S. and Israel of seeking to foment internal divisions in Iran after failing to defeat the cou...
The war between Iran and the U.S. is creating a widening security challenge for Saudi Arabia, stretching from Yemen’s Red Sea coast to Iraq a...
North Korea has dismissed as a “farce” Seoul’s claim that Pyongyang was responsible for a landmine explosion south of the Militar...
The European Union's decision to simultaneously advance accession talks with Ukraine, Moldova, Montenegro and Albania marks its most ambitious enlargement effort in more than two decades.
U.S. President Donald Trump has denied reports that he offered Iran sanctions relief and access to frozen funds in exchange for nuclear concessions.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused the U.S. and Israel of seeking to foment internal divisions in Iran after failing to defeat the country militarily, Iran's state news agency IRNA reported.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday that more than 8,000 North Korean troops are currently in Russia, with preparations under way to send another 10,000.
Russian strikes hit Kyiv and Ukraine’s Black Sea region of Odesa overnight into Tuesday, damaging infrastructure and civilian sites, while Moscow said it had also targeted vessels carrying military cargo.
The war between Iran and the U.S. is creating a widening security challenge for Saudi Arabia, stretching from Yemen’s Red Sea coast to Iraq as the Houthis emerge as a growing source of pressure on the kingdom.
North Korea has dismissed as a “farce” Seoul’s claim that Pyongyang was responsible for a landmine explosion south of the Military Demarcation Line that injured three South Korean soldiers.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have renewed high-level contact as a Houthi offensive in Yemen increases pressure on Riyadh and raises concerns over security around a crucial Red Sea shipping route.
The Spanish government has unveiled plans to extend protections against evictions until the end of 2030 as it seeks to address growing concerns over housing affordability and tenant security.
Here's your AnewZ Daily Brief for 30 September 2026. These are the top five stories making headlines in Europe.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment