The United States government has announced it will impose sanctions on Sudan after determining that the Sudanese government used chemical weapons in its conflict against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF, a paramilitary group formerly operated by the government and primarily composed of Janjaweed militias, has been battling the Sudanese army since 2023. The US State Department announced on May 22, 2025, that it would ban imports from Sudan if the country was found guilty of using chemical weapons against the rebel group.

President Donald Trump’s administration will also restrict Sudanese citizens from traveling to America and halt all foreign assistance to the East African nation. According to US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Congress was notified on Thursday about the probe to determine whether Sudan violated the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act of 1991. The determination that Sudan used chemical weapons occurred on April 24, 2025.

Following a 15-day Congressional notification period, the United States will impose sanctions on Sudan, including restrictions on U.S. exports to Sudan and access to U.S. government lines of credit. The sanctions are expected to take effect upon publication of a notice in the Federal Register, anticipated by June 6, 2025. The US government has warned the Sudanese government to immediately cease all chemical weapons use and uphold its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).

Trump’s decision to act against Sudan comes amid regional efforts led by Kenya to end the conflict. In March 2025, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanked President William Ruto for his leadership on regional peace and security, discussing the urgent need to end the conflict in Sudan through diplomatic means. However, Kenya’s efforts have drawn criticism from the Sudanese government, which accuses Ruto’s administration of interfering in its internal affairs and favoring the RSF militia.

Sudan has banned Kenyan imports indefinitely, barring the entry of Kenyan goods via road, air, water, or rail, in response to Kenya’s engagement with RSF leaders in Nairobi. A notice from the Sudan Ministry of Foreign Affairs dated March 14, 2025, confirmed the suspension of imports from Kenya until further notice.