"U.S. to Impose Sanctions on Sudan Over Use of Chemical Weapons" – State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce

"U.S. to Impose Sanctions on Sudan Over Use of Chemical Weapons" – State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce

The United States is set to impose sanctions on Sudan following evidence of chemical weapons use in clashes between the Sudanese government and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Under the sanctions, U.S. exports to Sudan and access to U.S. government loans will be halted.

In a statement released Thursday, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said, “The United States calls on the Sudanese government to cease all use of chemical weapons and to fulfill its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention.” She also mentioned that the decision has been communicated to Congress and the sanctions are expected to take effect around June 6.

The sanctions will restrict American exports to Sudan and terminate U.S. financial aid or credit facilities to the country. However, Bruce’s statement did not provide specific details on when or where Sudanese forces allegedly used chemical weapons.

The New York Times reported in January that government-aligned forces in Sudan used chemical weapons against the RSF at least twice in remote areas. Citing unnamed U.S. officials, the report said the weapons used were likely chlorine gas, which can cause severe respiratory distress and death.

Since April 2023, Sudan’s military and the RSF have been engaged in a civil war over power, which has triggered one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. The conflict has caused famine across the country, resulting in thousands of deaths and the displacement of nearly 13 million people.

Previously, the U.S. accused the RSF and its allies of committing genocide and imposed sanctions on RSF leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo and other top commanders.

In January this year, the United States also imposed sanctions on Sudan’s military chief and de facto head of state, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, for refusing to participate in international peace talks.