The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) says mounting evidence has strengthened allegations that Sudan’s military developed and used chlorine-based chemical weapons during the country’s ongoing war.
In an analysis published on November 3, the London-based defence and security research institute examined allegations surrounding a secret chemical weapons programme reportedly established by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in 2024.
The assessment follows investigations by major international newspapers that uncovered documents, photographs, videos and communications allegedly linked to the programme.
According to the material examined by the institute, military-linked personnel reportedly obtained chlorine supplies, including shipments from Egypt and quantities sourced from domestic water treatment facilities.
The reported imports included 20 chlorine containers, which investigators said could potentially have supplied enough material for approximately 1,100 bombs.
The alleged programme involved assembling munitions containing around 15 kilograms of chlorine alongside explosive components and metal fragments.
By October 2024, Sudan’s military is alleged to have accumulated approximately 300 chemical munitions designed for deployment from transport aircraft against RSF positions.
The allegations focus partly on suspected chemical attacks near the Al-Jaili oil refinery north of Khartoum in September 2024.
The IISS said verification work carried out by journalists and independent investigators had increased the credibility of the allegations, although international investigators have yet to conclusively establish the use of chemical weapons.
Sudan’s military and the Port Sudan authorities have repeatedly denied the accusations.
The United States previously determined that Sudan’s military had used chemical weapons during 2024 and imposed sanctions in response.
The IISS assessment suggested that subsequent international pressure may have helped discourage further chemical weapons use, with reports indicating that the programme was discontinued after the initial sanctions.
However, the institute stressed that questions remain about the programme’s development, the fate of its alleged stockpiles and accountability for those involved.
The TASIS-backed Government of Peace has previously called for an independent international investigation into the allegations and expressed its willingness to cooperate with United Nations investigators in territories under its administration.
