Sudan Rejects New US Sanctions, Calling Them Unilateral and Illegal

Khartoum - Sudan has rejected new US sanctions imposed on the country, calling the measures unilateral and illegal and based on false accusations. The US on Friday announced the implementation of a second round of sanctions, after determining that the Sudanese army used chemical weapons and that the country failed to meet the necessary conditions for lifting the sanctions. Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation stated on Sunday that the government had previously denied the allegations and affirmed that the country does not produce, possess, or use chemical weapons. The Sudanese side accused the US not only of failing to provide credible evidence, but also of ignoring the technical mechanisms and procedures stipulated in the Chemical Weapons Convention before imposing sanctions on Sudan. ‘This demonstrates that the sanctions are purely driven by political motives and do not reflect a genuine concern regarding the prevention of the use of chemical weapons,’ the ministry said. The sanctions, scheduled to take effect on 20 July, include the US denying loans, financial assistance, and technical support to Sudan through international financial institutions, except for humanitarian aid. The measures also prohibit the export of most US goods and technology to Sudan, while tightening controls on exports that could be used for sensitive or military purposes.