Sudan rejects US chemical weapons sanctions as illegal

The Sudanese government has rejected US sanctions imposed over allegations that its army used chemical weapons in the conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), describing the measures as unilateral and illegal.

In a statement, Sudan's Foreign Ministry urged the United States to follow established international legal procedures and honor its bilateral obligations by presenting any evidence supporting the allegations.

The ministry accused Washington of bypassing recognized international mechanisms and undermining international legitimacy by imposing what it called unlawful measures based on "false claims" against the Sudanese Armed Forces.

The government reiterated its longstanding denial of the chemical weapons allegations, saying they are baseless and rely on anonymous media sources.

The United States announced on July 17 that additional sanctions over the allegations would take effect on Monday, July 20, 2026.

The sanctions include economic, financial and trade restrictions, requiring the US to oppose international loans as well as financial and technical assistance to Sudan, while exempting core food assistance and urgent humanitarian aid.

The US administration has said the Sudanese government failed to comply with the requirements of the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act within the three-month deadline.

With input from wires