US imposes new sanctions on Sudan over alleged chemical weapons use
The United States has implemented a second round of sanctions against Sudan, citing allegations that the Sudanese Armed Forces SAF used prohibited chemical weapons during the country's civil war. These sanctions, effective July 20, expand export controls, impose financial and aviation restrictions, and require the US to oppose international loans and financial aid to Sudan. The US Department of State stated these measures are based on a "rigorous and independent national technical assessment" concluding that chemical weapons were used in the conflict between the SAF and the Rapid Support Forces RSF, which began on April 15, 2023. US Ambassador Nicole Shampaine, addressing the OPCW Executive Council, called for Sudan to grant "immediate, transparent and unrestricted access" for an investigation and rejected Sudan's plan for a national committee, arguing that domestic inquiries cannot replace independent international verification. Chad also warned that any chemical weapons use in Sudan would threaten regional security. Sudan, a signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention since 1999, has dismissed the US allegations and sanctions as politically motivated and lacking evidence, asserting it does not produce, possess, or use chemical weapons. The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation "categorically rejects the unilateral and illegal sanctions." US officials stated the sanctions target those responsible for alleged violations, not the Sudanese populati
