HRW Raises Alarm over Reports of Sudanese Army’s Possible Use of Banned Chlorine Gas

HRW Raises Alarm over Reports of Sudanese Army’s Possible Use of Banned Chlorine Gas
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Human Rights Watch has voiced deep concern over reports suggesting that Sudan’s army may have used chlorine gas in conflict zones, in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, to which Sudan is a signatory. Ida Sawyer, the organization’s director for crises, conflicts, and arms, said HRW independently verified video footage and images—first analyzed by France 24’s digital investigations unit in September last year—showing metal canisters believed to contain chlorine near shallow pits, along with a greenish-yellow cloud characteristic of the toxic gas.

According to HRW, the alleged evidence was found near the Qary military base and Khartoum Oil Refinery in Al-Jaili, both reportedly under Rapid Support Forces control at the time. The United States previously imposed sanctions on Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, accusing his forces of using chemical weapons, though it has not released supporting evidence.

The rights group urged member states of the Chemical Weapons Convention to back an independent and transparent investigation by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), including through a “challenge inspection.” HRW also called on the U.S. to disclose its evidence, emphasizing that transparency is vital to ensure accountability and prevent impunity in cases involving banned weapons.