The United States government will impose sanctions on Sudan after determining that it used chemical weapons to fight against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The RSF is a paramilitary force, formerly operated by the government of Sudan, and is primarily composed of the Janjaweed militias that previously fought on behalf of the Sudanese government.

Since 2023, the Sudanese army has been battling the RSF, a paramilitary group which recently placed President William Ruto’s administration on the receiving end over controversial dealings in Nairobi.

The US State Department announced on Thursday, May 22, that it would ban imports from Sudan should the country be found guilty of using chemical weapons against the rebel group.

President Donald Trump’s administration will also restrict Sudanese citizens from travelling to America and further halt all foreign assistance to the East African nation.

An Image of Donald Trump on May 2

The White House

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.

"On April 24, 2025, the United States determined under the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act of 1991 (the CBW Act) that the Government of Sudan used chemical weapons in 2024," Tammy Bruce said.

"Following a 15-day Congressional notification period, the United States will impose sanctions on Sudan, including restrictions on U.S. exports to Sudan and on access to U.S. government lines of credit," he added.

In its announcement, the State Department said the sanctions would take effect upon publication of a notice in the Federal Register, which is expected by June 6, 2025.

Further, the US government 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 take action against Sudan comes amid a regional effort led by Kenya to end the ongoing conflict. In March this year, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanked President William Ruto for his leadership on regional peace and security.

The duo also discussed the urgent need to end the ongoing conflict in Sudan through diplomatic means. However, Kenya’s efforts to stop the war in Sudan have triggered criticism from the Sudanese government.

Ruto was recently criticised for allegedly taking sides in the war by reportedly favouring the RSF militia, who are fighting to overthrow the current administration and take control of the country.

Kenya’s engagement with RSF leaders by hosting them in Nairobi sparked strong reactions from the Sudanese government, which accused Ruto’s administration of interfering in its internal affairs.

Sudan subsequently banned Kenyan imports indefinitely, barring the entry of Kenyan goods via road, air, water, or rail. "The import of all products from Kenya via all ports, crossings, airports, and entry points is suspended starting from this date until further notice," read part of a notice by the Sudan Ministry of Foreign Affairs dated March 14, 2025.

President William Ruto during a High-Level Humanitarian Conference for the People of Sudan in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on February 15, 2025.

PCS