Former OPCW Officials Alleg Chemical Use in Sudan

Former senior officials from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) have concluded that evidence suggests the Sudanese government may have deployed chemical agents during the ongoing civil war. According to a 32-page report reviewed by Euronews, the investigation identifies credible indicators of toxic exposure linked to military activity between 2024 and 2025. The findings include reports of acute respiratory distress, unusual odors, and environmental degradation, which the experts describe as consistent with the use of prohibited weapons.

The two former OPCW officials who led the inquiry requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the material. They stated that given the existing sanctions against Sudanese individuals and increasing allegations of a hidden program, the OPCW and its state parties are urged to launch a formal investigation. The team argued that strong witness testimony, particularly regarding an incident in September 2024 potentially involving chlorine, necessitates immediate international scrutiny.

Witness Testimony Refines Evidence

The investigation relies on the accounts of eight Sudanese witnesses interviewed in Nairobi, Kenya. These individuals included direct victims, emergency response personnel, and healthcare professionals who treated affected patients. The report cites corroborating digital material, such as videos and photographs, provided by the alleged victims. While Euronews reviewed the images included in the report, it was not able to independently verify the video footage or speak directly with the witnesses.

The strongest claims in the report stem from two witnesses who were present at the Al-Jili Oil Refinery near Khartoum in September 2024. At the time, the area was under the control of the Rapid Support Forces. Both witnesses described a military aircraft flying overhead shortly before the incident, noting barrel-shaped objects and impacts that did not resemble conventional explosives. Approximately twenty workers reportedly suffered acute respiratory symptoms and were treated at the refinery’s medical clinic.

Context of Previous Investigations

This is not the first time evidence of potential chemical weapons use in Sudan has surfaced. In early September, major US newspapers published investigations based on intelligence from Middle Eastern sources, including images of stockpiles and internal correspondence. These revelations led the US government to impose sanctions on Sudan in April 2025. The new report adds a human dimension to these allegations by detailing specific health impacts and environmental damage, providing substantive grounds for renewed diplomatic pressure.

The Sudanese government has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in response to such accusations. However, the involvement of former senior OPCW officials lends a layer of technical credibility to the claims. The report emphasizes that the incidents described align with the specific symptoms and environmental markers associated with chemical warfare, distinguishing them from the effects of conventional munitions.

International Response and Sanctions

The allegations have already influenced diplomatic actions, with both the US and the EU imposing sanctions on Sudanese entities for human rights violations and other serious offenses. The new findings are expected to draw further attention to the conflict, potentially complicating peace efforts and humanitarian access. The former officials argue that the current evidence is sufficient to warrant a formal probe by the OPCW, which would be the first of its kind in the current Sudanese conflict.

As the war continues, the international community faces the challenge of verifying claims in a conflict zone with limited access. The report from the GN auto geopolitics/africa desk highlights the growing concern over the use of prohibited weapons in civilian areas. Observers will be watching for any official response from the OPCW or changes in the geopolitical stance of major powers regarding Sudan.