Former Inspectors Cite Strong Evidence of Chemical Use in Sudan

Former war crime investigators have stated that they have every reason to believe chemical weapons were employed in Sudan. Speaking at a recent panel in Geneva, experts called for a formal international investigation into an alleged chlorine attack at an oil refinery north of Khartoum. They emphasized that while definitive forensic proof is currently lacking due to restricted access, the available evidence presents a strong case for scrutiny.

Mark Albon, who previously led the UN Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons investigation unit in Syria, identified a September 2024 incident at the Al-Jaili refinery as the most substantiated claim. According to Albon, media coverage and video material provide a compelling circumstantial basis to believe a chemical agent was used. He noted that the passage of time and the inability to conduct on-site forensic examinations have limited the ability to identify the specific chemicals involved, yet the pattern of evidence remains distinct.

Calls for international forensic inquiry

Albon urged the OPCW or the United Nations to launch an independent investigation with full access to the site. He argued that such a process, similar to the lengthy but ultimately influential inquiries in Syria, could provide the impetus needed to bring the warring parties to the negotiating table. The former inspector suggested that the mere initiation of a rigorous international probe carries significant diplomatic weight in conflicts of this nature.

The United States has already determined that the Sudanese Armed Forces used chemical weapons in 2024, leading to the imposition of sanctions, though the Sudanese government has denied these allegations. Subsequent reporting, including a recent investigation by The Washington Post, has further bolstered the argument for a full OPCW inquiry. This growing body of evidence highlights the urgency of establishing a verified account of events on the ground.

Concerns over regional precedent

Experts warn that inaction could have severe consequences for global security. Albon cautioned that the methods for creating and deploying improvised chemical weapons are now relatively well-known, raising the risk of copycat attacks in other conflicts. He noted that if the international community fails to address the allegations in Sudan, it may inadvertently signal that such violations can go unpunished, potentially encouraging further proliferation.

Robert Fairweather, a former chief of cabinet at the OPCW and UK special representative for Sudan, warned that allowing the Chemical Weapons Convention to slip would undermine global protections. He emphasized that the people of Sudan deserve the same security guarantees as the rest of the world. Fairweather stressed that the allegations warrant the same level of forensic scrutiny applied to previous conflicts to maintain the integrity of international norms.

Context of ongoing civil war

These allegations emerge against the backdrop of a devastating civil war that has engulfed Sudan since April 2023. The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has displaced approximately 14 million people and left tens of millions dependent on humanitarian aid. The situation has severely strained the region's stability and highlighted the critical need for adherence to international humanitarian law.

According to the GN auto geopolitics/africa desk, the focus now shifts to whether the international community will act on these warnings. The potential launch of an investigation represents a critical next step in determining the scope of violations and establishing accountability. Observers will closely watch for diplomatic responses and any moves toward securing access for inspectors in the coming weeks.