Experts call for investigation into alleged chemical weapons use in Sudan
Former war crimes investigators said they have sufficient grounds to believe that chemical weapons may have been used at least once in Sudan. They called for an international investigation into an alleged chlorine attack on the Al-Jaili oil refinery north of Khartoum.
Data on the refinery attack
As The National reports, the most compelling circumstantial evidence concerns an incident in September 2024 at the Al-Jaili refinery. Mark Albun, former head of the investigative unit of the UN-Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Joint Investigative Mechanism for Syria, said the collected materials indicate the possible use of a weapon that meets the criteria for chemical weapons.
According to him, an independent investigation should analyse media reports and video footage, as well as interview people who are said to have been affected during the attacks. At the same time, due to the long time elapsed since the event and the lack of access to the incident site, it is currently impossible to establish which chemical substance or combination of substances may have been used.
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Call for an international investigation
Albun believes that the investigation should be conducted by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the UN, or both bodies. This would require access to the refinery site and the ability to conduct forensic examinations.
Robert Fairweather, former chief of staff of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, said evidence is accumulating of the possible use of chlorine, similar to that reported in connection with Syria. He noted that the described barrel bombs resemble munitions used in Syria. According to him, investigators must establish the responsibility of specific individuals or institutions for the decision on the alleged use of chemical weapons so that the international community can determine further steps or sanctions.
The United States previously said that the Sudanese Armed Forces government used chemical weapons in 2024 and imposed sanctions. Sudan denied these allegations. The war in the country has continued since April 2023, when fighting began between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
