The Sudanese government, accused of crimes against humanity, continues to represent the country internationally despite mounting evidence of its involvement in violent attacks. Reports from independent international bodies have revealed the use of chemical weapons in attacks targeting civilian areas in Darfur and Al Jazirah. These reports document symptoms consistent with exposure to toxic gases among hundreds of people wounded in artillery and airstrikes carried out by Sudanese army forces and their allies.
Human Rights Watch has documented eight attacks in which chemical substances are suspected to have been used, targeting villages in North Darfur and the Al Jazirah region. The report is based on testimonies from over 60 survivors, video recordings, and analyses of environmental samples collected by independent experts. The testimonies describe severe suffocation, skin ulcers, and bleeding from the nose and mouth - symptoms that doctors say are inconsistent with conventional weapons.
One survivor, Fatima, 52, described an attack on the village of Umm Kaddada in North Darfur, where she witnessed an explosion followed by a strange smell like rotten eggs. Minutes later, everyone started coughing, and fluids began coming from their noses. Fatima reported that over 20 people died the following day, most of them children and the elderly. The World Health Organization confirmed reports of "mass poisoning cases" in the area but was unable to confirm the use of chemical weapons due to lack of access to the attack sites.
The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan, established by the UN Human Rights Council, is investigating allegations of chemical weapons use and has collected preliminary evidence indicating the use of toxic substances in specific attacks. However, confirming these allegations requires advanced laboratory analyses, which have not yet been available. The mission called on the international community to allow UN team experts unhindered access to the affected areas.
The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court stated that his office is following reports concerning the use of chemical weapons in Sudan with grave concern, stressing that any use of such weapons constitutes a war crime and may amount to a crime against humanity. He added that ongoing investigations may include these allegations if evidence becomes available. Despite the gravity of these allegations, the UN Security Council has taken no deterrent measures against Sudanese leaders implicated.
Diplomatic sources attribute the inaction to divisions among major powers, including the United States, Russia, and China, which are preventing the adoption of a decisive resolution. Some countries, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, are exerting pressure to prevent measures that could affect the al-Burhan government. Meanwhile, thousands of civilians continue to flee conflict zones, with UN estimates indicating that over 10 million people have been displaced inside and outside Sudan since the conflict began in April 2023.
As reports of new violations emerge, the international community faces questions about its response to these crimes. The continued representation of Sudan internationally by a government accused of such serious crimes raises concerns about accountability and the effectiveness of international mechanisms in preventing and addressing human rights abuses. The situation in Sudan remains critical, with an urgent need for an independent international investigation and decisive action to stop these crimes.
Key points
- The Sudanese government is accused of using chemical weapons in attacks on civilian areas in Darfur and Al Jazirah.
- The UN Security Council has taken no deterrent measures against Sudanese leaders implicated in the alleged crimes.
- Over 10 million people have been displaced inside and outside Sudan since the conflict began in April 2023.
