Investigation finds evidence of possible chemical weapons use in Sudan

A 32-page investigation has found what it describes as credible evidence supporting witness accounts of toxic chemical exposure linked to military activity in Sudan between 2024 and 2025. The report says the alleged exposure took place in civilian areas during the war that began in 2023. It also says the findings point to a possible chlorine-related incident in September 2024.

Sponsored

The investigation was led by former senior officials of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, or OPCW, including two people who served with the body when it received the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize for work on the global ban on chemical weapons. The authors told Euronews that at least one state party has already sanctioned individuals over the alleged use of chemical weapons, and that there are new allegations of a hidden programme. They said the OPCW and its states parties should launch an investigation.

The report cites testimony from eight Sudanese witnesses, along with video, pictures and other digital material said to have been produced by alleged victims. It says indicators identified by the experts include acute respiratory distress, unusual odours, coloured explosive blasts, long-term health problems and environmental degradation. Euronews said it reviewed pictures in the report, but could not speak to the witnesses or independently inspect the video footage or other digital evidence.

The findings add to a wider set of allegations that have already drawn international attention. Earlier investigations published in early September cited evidence from Middle Eastern intelligence, including pictures of stockpiles and correspondence among Sudanese officials. The report also comes after the United States imposed sanctions on Sudan in April 2025 over the alleged use of chemical weapons.

Sponsored

That makes the new findings potentially significant for both accountability efforts and diplomatic pressure around the conflict. Sudan has been engulfed in war since 2023, and the report places the alleged chemical exposure within that broader conflict. The authors say the evidence they reviewed strengthens witness accounts and suggests the issue may not be isolated.

Because the report was produced by former OPCW officials, it is likely to intensify scrutiny of whether international chemical weapons rules may have been breached. What remains unclear is who would be responsible for any alleged use, where exactly the reported September 2024 incident occurred, and whether an official international inquiry will follow. The report itself calls for the OPCW and its states parties to investigate further.

For now, the allegations remain unproven, but the new material is likely to keep pressure on international bodies and governments watching the conflict.

#Sudan #chemicalweapons #OPCW #chlorine #sanctions

Sponsored