Former War Crimes Investigators Urge International Probe into Alleged Chemical Weapons Use in Sudan

Former war crime inspectors have stated there is “every reason to believe” that chemical weapons have been utilized in Sudan. Leading experts made a call on Tuesday for an international investigation into an alleged chlorine attack at an oil refinery situated north of Khartoum.

Mark Albon, the former head of the investigation unit of the UN-Organisation for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Joint Investigative Mechanism in Syria, expressed that an independent inquiry should analyze media coverage and video material, alongside interviewing individuals reportedly exposed to the attacks.

“It’s clear to us, as investigators who have looked at this, that there is every reason to believe that a chemical weapons attack, at least one, has taken place,” Mr Albon informed a panel titled Accusations about the Use of Chemical Weapons in Sudan.

He pointed to an incident in September 2024 at the Al-Jaili refinery, located north of Khartoum, as the event with the most compelling evidence. “The only incident that we were able to identify where there is a strong indication that a weapon that would conform to the framework of a chemical weapon was used was in September of 2024 at the Al-Jaili refinery site,” he shared during a Geneva Press Club webinar, adding that the material provided investigators with a “very strong circumstantial case.”

While emphasizing the strong circumstantial evidence, Mr Albon noted that the passage of time and lack of site access prevent the exact identification of the chemical or combination of chemicals used, though he did not rule out the possibility of other attacks.

He advocated for an international investigation led by the OPCW, the UN, or both, which would require site access and the capability to conduct forensic examinations. Drawing comparisons to past conflicts, he noted, “I think the fact that those investigations were undertaken in a place like Syria … although it took a very long time, ultimately contributed to bringing that conflict to an end.”

Sudan has experienced a devastating civil war since April 2023, sparked by fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The conflict has displaced approximately 14 million people and left tens of millions reliant on humanitarian assistance.

Although Sudan has denied the allegations, the US has already determined that the SAF government employed chemical weapons in 2024 and subsequently imposed sanctions. Subsequent international media reporting, including an investigation by the Washington Post this month, has fueled momentum for a full OPCW inquiry.

Robert Fairweather, a former chief of cabinet at the OPCW, noted that the Chemical Weapons Convention was specifically established to address allegations of this nature. “There is a growing body of evidence that there may have been use of chlorine similar to Syria,” he stated, adding that the barrel bombs resemble those deployed in Syria.

Experts also raised concerns over potential “copycat” attacks in other regional conflicts if no action is taken. Mr Albon warned that the methodology of creating and deploying improvised chemical weapons is unfortunately well known, opening the door for similar copycat activities worldwide.

Mr Fairweather, a former UK special representative for Sudan and South Sudan, warned that letting the Chemical Weapons Convention slip would convince others that they can act with impunity. He stressed that the allegations in Sudan warrant the same forensic scrutiny seen in Syria, and investigators must establish individual or institutional responsibility before determining appropriate responses or sanctions.