US Sanctions Sudanese Army Chief for Chemical Weapons Use

Sudan used chemical weapons during the ongoing civil war then it faced criticism from around the world. In a recent development, the US announced sanctions on Sudan due to the use of chemical weapons. US called it a violation of human rights. 

In a statement, the US Treasury Department announced sanctions on Sudanese army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Ahmed Abdullah, who is a key figure in Sudan’s military industries.

In a report by the New York Times, they noted “Under Burhan’s leadership, the S.A.F.’s war tactics have included the indiscriminate bombing of civilian infrastructure, attacks on schools, markets, and hospitals, and extrajudicial executions”

The charges included attacks on civilians, and bombing schools, hospitals, and marketplaces. 

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned both Burhan and his rival, Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Lt. Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, for their roles in the conflict. Blinken accused them of using starvation as a weapon and obstructing humanitarian aid, stating, “Neither man is fit to govern a future, peaceful Sudan.”

The foreign ministry of Sudan quickly responded and dismissed the sanctions by saying it an unjust and confusing. He said, “expresses nothing but confusion and a weak sense of justice.”

But Burhan publicly welcomed the sanctions, he said, “We accept any sanctions if they serve the country.”

More about the crisis in Sudan:

Sudan has been facing civil war conditions since 2013. This region is in dangerous war and has the worst humanitarian emergencies where 150,000 people have died, and 11 million have been displaced. The people of Sudan is facing difficulties in basic needs like food and water shortages. 

International groups hope these sanctions will push both sides to prioritize peace and the safety of civilians. Over half of Sudan’s population—about 25 million people—require urgent humanitarian aid.

These sanctions by U.S. sanctions in Sudan are attracting global attention and it is a notable step by the US to stand for human rights.