U.S. imposes sanctions on Sudan over alleged use of chemical weapons against civilians

The United States has officially imposed sweeping sanctions on Sudan’s government,following a determination by the State Department that the regime used chemical weapons against its own citizens in violation of international law. The sanctions,which came into effect on Friday,June 27,were published in the U.S. Federal Register and enacted under the 1991 Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act.

These measures suspend all U.S. assistance to Sudan under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961—excluding urgent humanitarian aid—and prohibit the export,sale,or financing of U.S. defense articles. Additionally,Sudan is barred from receiving financial support from U.S. government agencies and from importing national security-sensitive goods or technology.

Despite the gravity of the allegations,which Khartoum denies,the U.S. State Department has exercised partial waivers on grounds of national security. These exemptions permit select foreign assistance,allow for case-by-case defense transactions with non-governmental entities,and support exports vital for civil aviation safety and the operations of U.S. and foreign firms in Sudan. The sanctions are to remain in place for a minimum of one year,as a national investigative committee—formed by Sudan’s army chief—continues to probe the U.S. claims. This development marks a significant escalation in international censure amid Sudan’s ongoing internal conflict and deepening humanitarian crisis.