Chemical Weapons in Sudan: Reminiscent of “Iraq 2003” Once Again?

Brigadier of Police (Ret.) Omar Mohamed Othman
In February 2003, US Secretary of State Colin Powell stood before the UN Security Council waving a small glass vial containing a white powder, claiming it was a sample of Iraqi anthrax.
Two decades later, Powell would describe that moment as a “blot” on his career.
Today, in November 2025, almost the same scenario is being replayed — but this time the stage is Sudan, and the accused is the Sudanese Armed Forces.
Since January 2025, the United States has been promoting a narrative alleging that the Sudanese army used chemical weapons against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The claim evolved from “intelligence information” into sanctions against General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan last May, and finally into a formal request, on 26 November, urging the Sudanese government to acknowledge the alleged violation and cooperate with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) — even though the organisation has not issued any official report, nor has any independent body been granted the right to conduct on-the-ground verification.
What is striking is that the RSF are notoriously fond of filming battles and scenes of death — including among their own fighters — yet no filmed evidence or credible testimonies have been presented to prove any chemical attacks: no victims with burns or respiratory symptoms, no contaminated areas. Nor have there been mass civilian deaths attributable to chemical exposure; most fatalities occurred due to gunfire or the lack of food and medical care during the militia’s control of various areas. As for outbreaks of disease recorded in parts of Khartoum, these were seasonal illnesses exacerbated by poor environmental conditions.
It is also critical to note that the fighting in this war often takes place at point-blank range, making the use of chemical weapons effectively suicidal, as it would expose the forces deploying them to the same harm.
In this context, former Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef rejected the US accusations, stating: “The Sudanese army does not possess chemical weapons, and any allegations that it has used them are untrue.”
Sudan also reaffirmed its full commitment to the Chemical Weapons Convention during its participation in last month’s Conference of the States Parties in The Hague, rejecting the politicisation of the OPCW’s work and confirming that it continues to investigate any claims raised.
It is worth noting that Sudan signed and ratified the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction in May 1999.
So, are we witnessing a Sudanese remake of Powell’s 2003 display?
Or will the world finally learn that truths are not built on glass vials — and that grave accusations demand even greater evidence?

Shortlink: https://sudanhorizon.com/?p=9184