Sudan has rejected new US sanctions over alleged chemical weapons use by its military, accusing Washington of acting on “false allegations” and bypassing international verification procedures.
The sanctions, which took effect on Monday, followed a US determination that Sudan’s army-aligned government used chemical weapons in 2024 during its war against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Washington has not publicly disclosed details of the alleged attacks, including where they occurred or the type of chemical agents involved.
The Sudanese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday dismissed the accusations, saying it “categorically rejects the unilateral and illegal sanctions announced by the United States against Sudan based on false allegations that the Sudanese Armed Forces used chemical weapons.”
Khartoum said it remains committed to the Chemical Weapons Convention and continues to cooperate with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), where it currently holds a seat on the Executive Council.
The ministry said the allegations had been denied since they first emerged, describing them as claims based on anonymous sources. It also accused Washington of failing to provide evidence before imposing punitive measures.
“However, the United States not only failed to provide any credible evidence, but also bypassed the technical procedures and verification mechanisms stipulated under the Chemical Weapons Convention before imposing sanctions on Sudan,” it said.
The sanctions restrict most financial and technical assistance from international financial institutions, limit exports of US goods and technology, and impose tighter controls on security and military-related exports. They are expected to remain in place for at least a year unless the US determines that Sudan has met the requirements for their removal.
The measures come as Sudan’s devastating civil war enters its third year, with the army led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan battling the RSF commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemeti.
The United Nations has described Sudan as facing the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, with millions experiencing severe food insecurity.
The US has previously sanctioned leaders from both sides of the conflict, including Burhan and Hemeti, while accusing RSF commanders of atrocities in Darfur. Washington has also attempted mediation efforts, including failed ceasefire talks and proposals for humanitarian pauses.
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