Background on Sudan’s Conflict and Key Players
The conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023 due to a power struggle between the military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), triggering mass displacement, famine, and ethnic-based killings. The RSF, also known as the Janjaweed militia, has been accused of committing genocide alongside other armed groups. The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
US Determination and Sanctions
On Thursday, the US Department of State announced that it would impose sanctions on Sudan following its determination that the country’s government used chemical weapons in 2024 amidst the military’s conflict with the RSF paramilitaries. The sanctions will include restrictions on exports and US government credit lines, taking effect around June 6, after notification to Congress.
According to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, the US urges Sudan’s government to cease all use of chemical weapons and comply with its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which prohibits such armaments.
Previous US Actions Against Sudan
The United States had previously determined, on April 24 under the 1991 Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act, that Sudan’s government had employed chemical weapons the previous year. In response to these findings, the US has already imposed sanctions on certain RSF leaders and allied militias accused of genocide.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the cause of the conflict in Sudan? The conflict began in April 2023 due to a power struggle between the military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), resulting in mass displacement, famine, and ethnic-based killings.
- Who are the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)? The RSF, also known as Janjaweed militia, is a paramilitary group accused of committing genocide alongside other armed groups during the Sudanese conflict.
- What actions has the US taken against Sudan? The US has imposed sanctions on Sudan’s government, RSF leaders, and allied militias accused of genocide. These sanctions include restrictions on exports and US government credit lines.
- Why are the US sanctions being imposed? The sanctions are a response to Sudan’s government alleged use of chemical weapons in 2024 and its previous use in 2023, violating the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
