U.S. Sanctions Sudanese Military Leaders Amid Chemical Weapons Allegations

In January 2025, the United States imposed sanctions on Sudanese military leaders following reports of chemical weapons use in the ongoing civil war, marking a significant escalation in international response to the conflict.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), under Executive Order 14098. This action was taken in response to documented atrocities committed under his command, including the use of chemical weapons, indiscriminate bombing of civilians, and the use of starvation as a weapon of war. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo stated, "Today’s action underscores our commitment to seeing an end to this conflict." (home.treasury.gov)

The Sudanese government has denied these allegations. Foreign Minister Ali Yousif Sharif dismissed the claims as "false" and asserted that the army had not committed violations in the ongoing conflict.

The civil war, which began in April 2023, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, massive displacement, and famine. Both the SAF and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been accused of war crimes, including genocide and the use of chemical weapons. In January 2025, the U.S. also sanctioned RSF leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, for his role in atrocities committed during the conflict. (home.treasury.gov)

The use of chemical weapons is a grave violation of international law, including the Chemical Weapons Convention, to which Sudan is a signatory. Such actions represent a blatant disregard for human dignity and life, inflicting indiscriminate harm and causing long-term health consequences and environmental destruction. The Sudanese Alliance for Rights strongly condemned the reported use of chemical weapons, stating that these actions have "escalated the conflict to alarming levels, with catastrophic consequences for Sudanese civilians." (allianceforrights.org)

The civil war has led to one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with famine declared in five regions of Sudan. The conflict has exacerbated ethnic tensions, led to widespread displacement, and created a dire humanitarian situation. The international community's response, including sanctions and condemnation, aims to pressure the warring parties to cease hostilities and engage in peace talks.

Former Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok emphasized that recent military gains would not end the devastating civil war. He criticized efforts to form a new government as illegitimate and ineffective while fighting persists. Hamdok stated that only a ceasefire and a credible process for democratic civilian rule can bring lasting peace. (apnews.com)

The United States has also imposed sanctions on entities involved in weapons procurement for the SAF. In October 2024, OFAC sanctioned Mirghani Idris Suleiman, Director General of the Defense Industries System, for leading the SAF's efforts to acquire weapons for use in its ongoing war with the RSF. Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith stated, "The United States is committed to disrupting the ability of both sides in this conflict to procure weapons and external financing that undermine the possibility of a peaceful resolution." (home.treasury.gov)

The international community continues to call for an end to the violence and a return to democratic civilian rule in Sudan. The imposition of sanctions and condemnation of atrocities are part of ongoing efforts to pressure the warring parties to cease hostilities and engage in meaningful peace negotiations.