Sudan refutes U.S. allegations over chemical weapons use

According to Middle East Monitor, the Sudanese government has firmly rejected recent allegations by the United States that it employed chemical weapons in ongoing conflicts, denouncing the claims as politically motivated and a diversion from more pressing issues – namely, the presence of American-made arms in the hands of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Government spokesperson Khalid Al-Aiser addressed the issue in a public statement on Facebook, accusing Washington of swiftly leveling accusations following the Sudanese Armed Forces’ seizure of U.S.-manufactured ammunition from RSF combatants. Al-Aiser contended that this pattern reflects a broader strategy of distraction, aimed at deflecting international scrutiny away from what he described as “heinous crimes against humanity” allegedly committed by the RSF using foreign-supplied weaponry.

“This is a clear example of the double standards that dominate international politics,” Al-Aiser asserted. “While unverified claims are weaponised to exert political pressure on Khartoum, the confirmed use of internationally banned weapons – supplied by a country that claims to champion democracy and human rights – is being conveniently ignored.”

The dispute escalated after the U.S. State Department announced on 22nd March its intent to impose punitive sanctions on Sudan, citing confirmed evidence of chemical weapons usage in 2024. Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that the sanctions, expected to take effect around 6th June, will include strict restrictions on U.S. exports to Sudan and a suspension of the Sudanese government’s access to U.S. lines of credit.

Bruce further emphasised that the United States “calls on the Government of Sudan to cease all chemical weapons use and uphold its obligations” under the Chemical Weapons Convention, a globally ratified treaty prohibiting the development, production, and use of such arms.

Middle East Monitor/ Maghrebi.org