Sudan’s Sovereign Council Launches Investigation into Chemical Weapons Allegations
National committee formed following U.S. claims of chemical weapons use by the Sudanese military amid ongoing conflict.
On Thursday, Sudan's transitional Sovereign Council, led by General Abdel Fattah El Burhan, announced the establishment of a national committee to investigate allegations regarding the use of chemical weapons by the Sudanese military in Darfur.
This development follows statements from the United States asserting that they have concluded the Sudanese army employed chemical weapons during the ongoing conflict in the region.
The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement indicating that the committee will comprise members from the ministries of foreign affairs and defense, along with the General Intelligence Service.
The committee is tasked with reviewing U.S. claims and is expected to report its findings directly to the Chairman of the Sovereign Council.
The ministry emphasized that establishing this committee reflects the government of Sudan’s commitment to transparency and its skepticism regarding the accuracy of the U.S. accusations, while reaffirming Sudan's adherence to international obligations, including the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Last week, the U.S. Department of State announced its findings regarding the alleged chemical weapons usage and indicated plans to impose sanctions against Sudan.
These sanctions are set to include restrictions on U.S. exports and government credit lines, to take effect by early June following notification to Congress.
Simultaneously, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have reported regaining control over the towns of Dubaitat, Al-Hamadi, and Al-Khuei in the regions of South and West Kordofan, following violent clashes that lasted several hours.
The RSF claimed significant military successes in Dubaitat, inflicting heavy losses on Sudanese army forces and allies, alongside seizing military vehicles and ammunition.
According to the RSF’s statement, the recapture of Dubaitat is part of a broader strategy to secure all areas currently under military control to facilitate the return of displaced individuals who fled due to ethnic cleansing and violent practices.
No comments were made by the Sudanese army regarding the recent battles in these three towns.
Dubaitat is positioned approximately 190 kilometers from Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan, which serves as a critical link between South Kordofan and the states of North Kordofan and East Darfur.
Previously, the Sudanese military had reclaimed control of Dubaitat, announcing the lifting of the siege on Kadugli.
RSF personnel circulated videos on social media asserting their entry into Dubaitat and eviction of army forces from the area.
Intense combat has also been reported in Al-Khuei, West Kordofan, where clashes have occurred between the Sudanese army and a coalition of armed groups opposing the RSF.
The RSF announced another triumph by gaining full control over Al-Khuei, asserting that reclaiming both Dubaitat and Al-Khuei establishes their dominance over much of the Kordofan region.
Conversely, the allied forces with the Sudanese army have refuted claims of RSF control over Al-Khuei, asserting their own decisive victory in the region and detailing substantial enemy casualties.
The spokesperson for these forces reported that they successfully repelled RSF attacks, resulting in the neutralization of more than 344 enemy combatants, including field commanders, and the destruction or seizure of several vehicles.
This development follows statements from the United States asserting that they have concluded the Sudanese army employed chemical weapons during the ongoing conflict in the region.
The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement indicating that the committee will comprise members from the ministries of foreign affairs and defense, along with the General Intelligence Service.
The committee is tasked with reviewing U.S. claims and is expected to report its findings directly to the Chairman of the Sovereign Council.
The ministry emphasized that establishing this committee reflects the government of Sudan’s commitment to transparency and its skepticism regarding the accuracy of the U.S. accusations, while reaffirming Sudan's adherence to international obligations, including the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Last week, the U.S. Department of State announced its findings regarding the alleged chemical weapons usage and indicated plans to impose sanctions against Sudan.
These sanctions are set to include restrictions on U.S. exports and government credit lines, to take effect by early June following notification to Congress.
Simultaneously, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have reported regaining control over the towns of Dubaitat, Al-Hamadi, and Al-Khuei in the regions of South and West Kordofan, following violent clashes that lasted several hours.
The RSF claimed significant military successes in Dubaitat, inflicting heavy losses on Sudanese army forces and allies, alongside seizing military vehicles and ammunition.
According to the RSF’s statement, the recapture of Dubaitat is part of a broader strategy to secure all areas currently under military control to facilitate the return of displaced individuals who fled due to ethnic cleansing and violent practices.
No comments were made by the Sudanese army regarding the recent battles in these three towns.
Dubaitat is positioned approximately 190 kilometers from Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan, which serves as a critical link between South Kordofan and the states of North Kordofan and East Darfur.
Previously, the Sudanese military had reclaimed control of Dubaitat, announcing the lifting of the siege on Kadugli.
RSF personnel circulated videos on social media asserting their entry into Dubaitat and eviction of army forces from the area.
Intense combat has also been reported in Al-Khuei, West Kordofan, where clashes have occurred between the Sudanese army and a coalition of armed groups opposing the RSF.
The RSF announced another triumph by gaining full control over Al-Khuei, asserting that reclaiming both Dubaitat and Al-Khuei establishes their dominance over much of the Kordofan region.
Conversely, the allied forces with the Sudanese army have refuted claims of RSF control over Al-Khuei, asserting their own decisive victory in the region and detailing substantial enemy casualties.
The spokesperson for these forces reported that they successfully repelled RSF attacks, resulting in the neutralization of more than 344 enemy combatants, including field commanders, and the destruction or seizure of several vehicles.
