The recent sanctions imposed by the US Department of State against the Port Sudan authority over the Sudanese army’s use of chemical weapons have sent shockwaves through Sudan’s already fragile political framework. Accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and multiple breaches of international and humanitarian law, the Sudanese military faces growing international condemnation.
US Sanctions and UN Report Highlight Violations
The sanctions followed a damning report by the United Nations Panel of Experts on Sudan, presented to the UN Security Council. The report detailed severe violations, including bombing of hospitals and schools, indiscriminate aerial attacks by Sudanese forces and allied militias, resulting in massive civilian casualties and destruction of essential civilian infrastructure.
Power struggles intensify: Salah Gosh Returns to Port Sudan
According to local media such as the Sudanese newspaper Masader, Salah Gosh, former intelligence chief under ousted President Omar al-Bashir, arrived at Port Sudan airport in early May. His unexpected return has fueled speculation about significant leadership shifts in the region.
Analysts believe Gosh’s presence signals a potential power play to unseat General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the Sudanese military and leader of the Transitional Sovereignty Council. Burhan has been blamed for recent military and political failures that led to international isolation and punitive sanctions, especially following egregious human rights violations by forces under his command.
Sudanese activist Warda took to the platform X, suggesting Gosh’s return is not merely mediatory but part of a larger Islamist plan.
“Gosh’s secret visit, behind-the-scenes movements, and talks with military officials indicate a coup is quietly being orchestrated,” she asserted.
Many experts agree that Islamist factions and the Muslim Brotherhood aim to remove Burhan, whom they accuse of catastrophic leadership that has fractured Sudan’s government and diplomatic standing.
Chemical weapons use and US response
On May 22, the US Department of State officially confirmed that the Sudanese army deployed internationally banned chemical weapons last year, a grave violation of the 1991 Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act. This act represents one of the most serious breaches by Sudanese forces since the civil war began in April 2023.
State Department spokesperson Tami Bruce outlined the sanctions, which include suspending US exports to Sudan’s government and restricting Sudan’s access to US government credit lines. Additional sanctions targeting Burhan personally are anticipated due to his alleged role in authorising these chemical attacks.
A New York Times report from January, citing US officials, indicated that knowledge of chemical weapons within Sudan’s army is limited to a select few commanders, with Burhan at the top, implying his direct authorisation of the devastating strikes.
The US urged Sudan’s authorities in Port Sudan to immediately cease all chemical weapons use and comply with the Chemical Weapons Convention, to which Sudan is a party. Washington pledged to hold accountable all responsible for the use and spread of banned chemical arms.
Strategic implications of Gosh’s return
The Sudan News website linked Gosh’s visit to ongoing sanctions and political instability tied to Burhan’s leadership. Some observers anticipate that Gosh, aligned with Islamist groups and military loyalists, could spearhead efforts to remove Burhan from power.
