Politics & Policy

    US Imposes Sanctions on Sudan Over Chemical Weapons Use

    Washington's new measures follow allegations of chemical weapon deployment in North Kordofan, raising international concerns.

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    The United States has imposed new sanctions on Sudan, effective July 20, 2026, following Washington's conclusion that the Sudanese army used chemical weapons in 2024. These measures include opposing international financial assistance to Port Sudan and restricting US goods and technology exports. The decision comes amidst serious allegations of chemical weapon deployment in Sudan's North Kordofan State. Local residents in the Umm Qarfah area of North Kordofan reported thick yellow smoke after munitions were dropped by an Antonov aircraft. This incident, captured in widely circulated video clips, has fueled suspicions of chemical weapon use against civilians. Human rights organizations have also documented recent airstrikes using barrel bombs, causing civilian deaths and injuries in areas like Jabra al-Sheikh. This development fits into a broader pattern of escalating conflict and human rights concerns in Sudan. The ongoing internal strife has led to widespread displacement and a humanitarian crisis. The international community has repeatedly called for adherence to international law and protection of civilians, but these calls have often gone unheeded by the warring factions. Taha Abu Bakr, a leader of the Partners for Change and Future Alliance, confirmed that “the army is using internationally banned chemical weapons against civilians.” He stressed that chemical gas affects land, humans, animals, and plants, with long-term consequences. Abu Bakr urged the international community to act immediately and called on the people of Kordofan and Darfur to raise their voices against the alleged campaign. The new US sanctions will significantly impact Sudan's economy and its ability to secure international funding. They include US opposition to loans or financial and technical assistance from international financial institutions, with humanitarian aid being the only exception. Furthermore, the sanctions impose restrictions on the export of most US goods and technologies to Sudan and adopt a stricter policy on export and re-export licenses. Restrictions on airlines under Sudanese government control are also part of the new measures. Writer Osama Ahmed Al-Mustafa stated that the events in Umm Qarfah raise “an extremely serious suspicion regarding the nature of the munitions dropped.” He emphasized that international law, particularly the Chemical Weapons Convention, mandates investigation and accountability for any suspicion of chemical weapon use. Al-Mustafa warned that if these allegations are proven true, it would severely damage international confidence in the authorities in Port Sudan. This situation highlights the critical need for an independent international investigation into the alleged chemical weapon use. The US State Department noted that a committee formed by army commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan could not replace the independent verification mechanism of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. The international community will be watching closely to see if Port Sudan cooperates with international bodies and takes steps to comply with the Chemical Weapons Convention. Failure to do so could lead to further isolation and more severe international repercussions, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.

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