Sudanese activists and demonstrators took to the streets of London, rallying under the slogan “Stop Chemical Weapons” to express their solidarity with the millions of children suffering in Sudan’s ongoing war.
The protest focused on the General al-Burhan’s forces’ (SAF) reported use of chemical weapons against civilians.
The demonstrators held banners depicting children as the most vulnerable victims of the conflict, with signs reading “Let our childhood breathe.” Some protesters wore yellow protective suits and masks to highlight the dangers of chemical warfare, while others waved Sudanese flags.
Banners in both Arabic and English called on the international community and Arab nations to pressure for peace talks.
One protester, voice filled with sorrow, cried out, “Enough with the injustice! The world must act immediately!” Their message echoed the call for international intervention to stop the atrocities, as Sudan continues to endure a horrific humanitarian crisis.
The demonstration came more than a month after an international conference in London that urged an immediate ceasefire and an end to the conflict. The event, organized by the UK, France, Germany, the African Union, and the EU, also called for support for Sudan’s transition to a civilian government, free from foreign interference that fuels the violence. The UK and EU pledged substantial financial aid for humanitarian relief and called for unrestricted access to affected areas.
Chemical Weapons Allegations and Sanctions
In January 2025, US officials revealed to the New York Times that the SAF had deployed chemical weapons—specifically chlorine gas—against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in remote parts of Sudan. US sources warned that these weapons could potentially be used in densely populated regions, marking a dangerous escalation in the conflict.
The US government responded by imposing sanctions on General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, Sudan’s junta chief, citing documented atrocities under his command, including indiscriminate bombings of civilian areas and the use of starvation as a tactic of war.
The US Treasury Department condemned Al-Burhan’s actions, highlighting the targeting of schools, hospitals, and markets.
The junta-controlled Sudanese government dismissed the sanctions as “immoral” and “unjust,” accusing the US of lacking fairness and objectivity in its actions.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 150,000 deaths, displaced more than 11 million people, and triggered one of the worst famines the world has seen in decades.
