US sanctions targeting Sudan’s government have come into effect, following allegations of chemical weapon usage during the country’s ongoing civil war. This move, described by Washington as a response to the actions of Khartoum’s military, was officially detailed in a notice published in the Federal Register.
The sanctions impose significant restrictions on exports, arms sales, and financial transactions involving the Sudanese government and are set to remain in place for a minimum of one year. However, the US government stipulates that while general assistance to Sudan will be halted, urgent humanitarian aid and food or agricultural products will be exempt from these restrictions.
Despite these sanctions, the US has indicated that some measures will be partially waived for reasons deemed essential to its national security interests. The State Department has underscored the need for the Sudanese government to immediately cease the use of chemical weapons and adhere to its commitments under the Chemical Weapons Convention, an international treaty designed to eliminate the use of such arms.
Reports earlier this year revealed instances where Sudan’s military allegedly deployed chemical weapons against its adversaries in remote areas amid clashes with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). According to The New York Times, citing anonymous US officials, the military’s weapon of choice appeared to be chlorine gas, known for its severe health risks, including respiratory issues and potentially fatal outcomes.
Sudan’s leadership, including military chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, are already under existing US sanctions, rendering the practical implications of the new sanctions somewhat limited.
Since the conflict began in April 2023, a violent power struggle between the army and the RSF has escalated, leading to catastrophic outcomes for civilians. The ongoing violence has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced around 13 million individuals, with the UN labeling the situation as the world’s most severe humanitarian crisis. As the situation develops, the impact of the sanctions and the potential for diplomatic resolution remain in question.
