U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Sudan Over Alleged Chemical Weapons Use

In a significant move, the United States announced plans to impose sanctions on Sudan following accusations that the Sudanese government utilized chemical weapons during the 2024 confrontations between the national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. As conveyed by the State Department on Thursday, these sanctions are expected to commence around June 6, subsequent to congressional notification.

Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated, “The United States calls on the government of Sudan to cease all chemical weapons use and uphold its obligations under the CWC,” referencing the Chemical Weapons Convention. Yet, Sudan’s Foreign Ministry has remained unresponsive to this revelation. Such silence, intentional or otherwise, speaks volumes.

The origins of this dire situation trace back to the eruption of hostilities in April 2023, born from a struggle for dominance between the army and the RSF. The result? A humanitarian crisis of staggering proportions, delivering waves of ethnic violence that have left tens of thousands dead and approximately 13 million displaced. Is there an end to this turmoil?

Earlier this year, Washington targeted the army’s head, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, with sanctions, accusing him of opting for conflict over peace negotiations. The RSF, along with affiliated militias, has also faced accusations of genocide, leading to sanctions on some leaders, including the notorious Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, or “Hemedti” as he’s commonly known.

Reports from The New York Times reveal troubling details from January: credible evidence of chemical weapons usage by the Sudanese army at least twice during the ongoing conflict. Two officials, privy to the intelligence, suggested involvement of chlorine gas. Why such destructive means? It’s a question that remains unanswered.

On April 24, the U.S. made a formal determination, under the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act of 1991, about the Sudanese government’s use of chemical weapons in 2024. However, details regarding the specific chemicals or locations remain undisclosed. As Bruce firmly noted, “The United States remains fully committed to holding accountable those responsible for contributing to chemical weapons proliferation.”

A Sudanese diplomatic source brushed off the U.S. sanctions, describing them as a “distraction,” aimed perhaps at overshadowing a congressional campaign against the UAE. Would distraction tactics shift global focus away from a humanitarian crisis?

The plot thickens with Sudan recently severing diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates, accusing it of supplying advanced weaponry to the RSF. The UAE, refuting such claims, asserts its role in supporting peace and humanitarian efforts. Meanwhile, congressional Democrats are attempting to halt arms sales to the UAE due to its alleged conflict involvement.

This intricate web of accusations expanded when Sudan accused the UAE of an attack on Port Sudan, marking a first in direct military intervention allegations against the Gulf state. The UAE has vehemently denied involvement, labeling the accusations as baseless.