US sanctions on Sudan comes into force

US sanctions on Sudan over alleged chemical weapons use has come into force, reports africanews. The sanctions – which include restrictions on US exports, arms sales and financial assistance to Sudan will stay in place for at least a year. Only humanitarian assistance will not be affected by the sanctions. The latest embargo was prompted by allegations of chemical weapons use by Sudan's military in operations against Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighters. The RSF grew out of, and is primarily composed of, the Janjaweed militias which previously fought on behalf of the Sudanese government. Citing anonymous US officials, The New York Times reported in January that government soldiers deployed chlorine gas, known to cause severe respiratory pain and death, in military operations. Sudanese officials denied the accusation. A power struggle between Sudan's army rulers in 2023 plunged the country into a brutal civil war which has killed tens of thousands. The conflict has displaced 13m people, creating what the UN describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Full africanews report