United States imposes sanctions on Sudan for chemical weapons use

In 2024, the government of Sudan was found to have used chemical weapons during its ongoing civil conflict, prompting the United States to impose sanctions. The U.S. Department of State made this determination official on May 22, 2025, after an investigation under the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act of 1991. The sanctions include restrictions on U.S. exports to Sudan and limits on financial borrowing from the U.S. government. These measures are set to take effect around June 6, following a 15-day notification period for Congress. The conflict in Sudan, which escalated in 2023, has seen severe humanitarian impacts, with millions displaced and extensive human rights violations reported. The war involves combat between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, who have both faced accusations of committing war crimes. The U.S. government's response includes a call for Sudan to cease its chemical weapons practices and adhere to international regulations set forth by the Chemical Weapons Convention. The use of chemical weapons, such as chlorine gas, has been cited in reports, indicating the serious nature of the situation. The war, fueled by a power struggle, has resulted in the deaths of over 150,000 individuals, a significant figure that reflects the dire circumstances faced by the people of Sudan. As tensions continue to escalate, Sudanese officials have expressed that the latest sanctions by the U.S. may be an attempt to divert attention from congressional debates concerning U.S. arms sales to the United Arab Emirates, which is implicated in the conflict. The situation remains complex and dangerous, with international stakeholders closely monitoring developments amid ongoing humanitarian crises.