Sudan rejects U.S. chemical weapons sanctions as illegal
July 19, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese government on Sunday strongly rejected U.S. sanctions imposed over allegations that the army used chemical weapons in its war against the Rapid Support Forces, calling the measures unilateral and illegal.
The United States announced on July 17 that additional sanctions against Sudan over the chemical weapons claims would take effect on Monday, July 20, 2026.
The measures include economic, financial, and trade restrictions, requiring the U.S. to oppose any international loans or financial and technical assistance to Sudan, though exemptions remain for core food and urgent humanitarian aid.
The U.S. administration previously stated that the Sudanese government failed to meet the requirements of the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act within a three-month deadline.
Sudan’s foreign ministry expressed its categorical rejection of the unilateral restrictions in a statement on Sunday.
The ministry urged the United States to follow established international legal frameworks and fulfil its bilateral commitments by presenting any alleged evidence regarding the matter.
The statement accused Washington of bypassing specialized international mechanisms and international legitimacy by imposing unlawful measures based on false claims against the Sudanese Armed Forces.
The government reiterated its consistent denial of the chemical weapons allegations, stating they lack any foundation and rely on anonymous media sources.
Khartoum emphasized its full compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention, noting that it regularly submits periodic declarations and currently holds a seat on the Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
The ministry said Sudan had demonstrated a willingness to cooperate positively with the U.S. to investigate the claims through proper technical and verification procedures.
However, the statement added that the U.S. failed to provide credible evidence and ignored the technical procedures outlined in the convention.
The foreign ministry concluded that the sanctions are purely politically motivated rather than a genuine concern over non-proliferation, drawing parallels to past instances where Washington used allegations of banned weapons to advance political goals.