US expands Sudan sanctions over alleged chemical weapons use
A second round of US sanctions on Sudan took effect on July 20, 2026, over allegations that Sudanese Armed Forces used prohibited chemical weapons, claims Khartoum denies.
The United States has expanded sanctions on Sudan over allegations that the Sudanese Armed Forces used prohibited chemical weapons during the country’s civil war, according to The Reporter Ethiopia. The measures took effect on July 20, 2026.
The new restrictions broaden export controls and add financial and aviation-related measures. They also require Washington to oppose loans and other financial assistance to Sudan through international financial institutions. Humanitarian and food assistance are exempt, US officials said.
Washington says its finding rests on an independent national technical assessment and has called on Sudan to give the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons immediate and unrestricted access. The United States has acknowledged that it did not conduct an investigation inside Sudan.
Sudan rejects the allegations and describes the sanctions as politically motivated and unsupported by evidence. Its foreign ministry says the country does not produce, possess or use chemical weapons. The dispute adds pressure to Sudan as fighting between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, which began on April 15, 2023, continues to drive a severe humanitarian crisis.
