US Tightens Sanctions on Sudan Over Alleged Chemical Weapons Use

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda reports that the United States has introduced a second round of sanctions on Sudan over allegations that the Sudanese Armed Forces used banned chemical weapons during the civil war with the Rapid Support Forces. The measures reportedly took effect on 20 July and expand export controls, add financial and aviation-related restrictions, and require Washington to oppose loans or financial support for Sudan through international financial institutions.

According to the report, the US State Department says the action follows a national technical assessment that found prohibited chemical weapons were used in the conflict, which began on 15 April 2023 and has driven a severe humanitarian crisis. At a 9 July meeting of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in The Hague, US Ambassador Nicole Shampaine urged Sudan to allow the OPCW Technical Secretariat immediate and unrestricted access to examine the allegations.

The article says Washington rejected Sudan’s decision to set up a national committee to investigate, arguing that domestic processes cannot replace independent verification under the Chemical Weapons Convention. Sudan, which joined the convention in 1999 and sits on the OPCW Executive Council, has denied the accusations, calling the sanctions unilateral, illegal and politically motivated, and saying it does not produce, possess or use chemical weapons.

Watchdog Uganda also reports that US officials described the sanctions as aimed at those responsible for alleged violations, not civilians, and said humanitarian and food assistance are exempt. The dispute matters because it increases diplomatic pressure on Sudan’s military leadership, raises questions about treaty compliance, and could intensify calls for an independent OPCW inquiry as the war continues.