Sudan to investigate U.S. chemical weapons claims, denies allegations

PORT SUDAN – Sudan’s de facto government has announced the formation of a national investigative committee to probe recent allegations by the United States that Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have used chemical weapons in the ongoing conflict. The decision was made public in an official press statement issued on Friday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Port Sudan.

The government rejected the sanctions and the accusations, reaffirming its adherence to international conventions and asserting its commitment to transparency and lawful conduct. “In compliance with Sudan’s international obligations, including the Chemical Weapons Convention, and within the policy of transparency pursued by the Government of Sudan,” the statement reads, ” the president of the Sovereignty Council issued a decision to form a national committee.”

The committee will include representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, and the General Intelligence service. It has been instructed “to investigate these U.S allegations” and “to submit its report without delay.” The formation of this body, according to the statement, underscores the government’s belief in “the principles of transparency and lawful conduct in conflict.”

The Sudanese Foreign Ministry also expressed strong skepticism toward Washington’s claims, stating that the government “disbelief the veracity of the U.S. administration accusations that Sudan has used chemical weapons.”

The press release follows a new round of U.S sanctions announced earlier this week. The U.S. State Department cited what it described as credible intelligence indicating the possible use of chemical weapons by the SAF or affiliated groups during military operations in Darfur and Kordofan. Although the specifics of the evidence have not been made public. American officials have linked the sanctions to what they claim are violations of the international law.

The Foreign Ministry in Port Sudan has pushed back forcefully against the narrative, portraying the allegations as a strategic maneuver designed to exert pressure on Sudan’s military leadership. while denying the charges, the government emphasized that its actions are guided by its obligations under international treaties, particularly the Chemical Weapons Convention, which Sudan has ratified.

The conflict between the SAF and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which erupted in April 2023, has devastated much of the country. Millions have been forced to flee to neighboring countries or have bee internally displaced, and widespread reports of atrocities committed by both side including mass killing, widespread sexual violence and indiscriminate bombardment, which has drawn condemnation from local and international observers.

By announcing an internal investigation, Sudan’s authorities appear to be signaling their willingness to address global scrutiny while seeking to regain control of the narrative, while insisting it will act in line with international norms.