Allegations Against the Sudanese Army Over the Use of Chemical Substances Intensify Amid International Calls for an Urgent Inspection
Allegations against the Sudanese Army and its commander, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, regarding the alleged use of chemical weapons or chemical substances during military operations are escalating. At the same time, international actors are calling for immediate investigations to establish the facts surrounding these allegations, which could further worsen Sudan’s already severe humanitarian crisis.
In this context, media reports citing sources in Washington have alleged that the Sudanese Army used chemical agents and have called for international inspections to verify these serious claims. These demands coincide with sharp criticism from Sudanese political figures and observers, who accuse Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of “deception” and “evasion” amid reports of leaked documents that allegedly reveal a deliberate strategy aimed at prolonging the conflict, with potentially catastrophic consequences for civilians.
These allegations emerge against the backdrop of an increasingly alarming humanitarian situation. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that children continue to bear the heaviest burden of the violence. According to the agency, at least 330 children were killed or injured during the first six months of 2026, with the highest casualty rates recorded in Darfur and Kordofan. UNICEF stated that repeated attacks, including drone strikes, have severely damaged homes, schools, healthcare facilities, and water supply networks, disrupting civilians’ access to essential services and increasing the suffering of displaced populations.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the continued military operations and the deterioration of critical infrastructure have contributed to the resurgence of a cholera outbreak. The disease has claimed 114 lives among more than 1,330 reported cases, resulting in a high case fatality rate of 13.7 percent. Particular concern surrounds the city of El Obeid in North Kordofan, a key humanitarian operations hub. Experts warn that continued military pressure around the city could push it toward an uncontrollable humanitarian and public health crisis similar to those witnessed in other parts of the country.
Against this backdrop, international calls for an independent, transparent, and impartial investigation into the possible use of prohibited substances are increasingly viewed as essential for establishing the facts and ensuring accountability. United Nations agencies warn that the coming weeks may prove to be the most challenging, as continued military escalation and violations of the laws of armed conflict threaten the ability of humanitarian organizations to meet the needs of more than 33 million people requiring assistance and protection, while the number of internally displaced persons has reached approximately 13.4 million.
The continued escalation of violence, coupled with allegations involving the use of prohibited methods of warfare, places the international community before a critical test: taking effective action to halt the deterioration, protect civilians, and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian assistance before it is too late.
