Sudan forms committee to probe U.S. chemical weapons claims

May 29, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, on Thursday formed a national committee to investigate U.S. allegations that the government used chemical weapons in the country’s ongoing conflict, the foreign ministry said.

The United States on May 22 imposed sanctions on Sudan’s government, citing its use of chemical weapons. The measures, including restrictions on U.S. exports and access to credit lines, are due to take effect on June 6.

In a statement, the foreign ministry said Burhan “decided to form a national committee to investigate the American allegations, and it is to submit its report immediately.”

The committee will include representatives from the foreign and defence ministries, as well as the General Intelligence Service, the statement added.

The ministry said the investigation underscored the government’s commitment to its international obligations, including the Chemical Weapons Convention, and its disbelief in the U.S. accusations.

Both the Sudanese government and the armed forces have denied using chemical weapons in the conflict, which began on April 15, 2023.

The U.S. State Department said Washington had determined that Sudan’s government used chemical weapons in 2024.

On Jan. 16, The New York Times, citing four U.S. sources, reported that the army had used chemical weapons at least twice in remote areas of Sudan against elements of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).