Sudan Chlorine Munitions Allegations
New Investigation Alleges Sudan Developed and Stockpiled Hundreds of Chlorine Munitions
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Key Points
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A document reportedly described a “dual-effect” bomb containing 15 kilograms of chlorine gas and 20 kilograms of explosives, with Arabic text saying the design was intended “to conceal any evidence of the use of chemicals.”
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The alleged program’s architect was identified as Tariq Madani, an SAF officer whom the U.S. Treasury sanctioned in June over his role as managing director of a Sudanese company accused of importing explosives from Egyptian and Indian suppliers for SAF bombs. Madani denied knowledge of chemical-weapons production when contacted by The Washington Post.
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One message allegedly sent to an officer involved in airstrikes included a video of a victim with charred skin and the words, “Your cooking,” suggesting that military personnel may have discussed the effects of an alleged attack in a mocking manner.
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The alleged chlorine program was reportedly developed over a six-month period in 2024 by a secretive military unit, according to a dossier shared with The New York Times by a Middle Eastern intelligence agency.
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The evidence reviewed by The New York Times included reports of suffocated scorpions found dead on the floor of a weapons factory, a detail presented as possible evidence of hazardous chemical testing or handling at the facility.
Sudan's military allegedly stockpiled as many as 290 chlorine-based munitions during 2024, according to investigations by The Washington Post and The New York Times based on internal videos, documents, and intercepted communications. The alleged weapons—including bombs designed to combine chlorine gas with explosives—appear to represent an organized chemical weapons program rather than isolated battlefield incidents, with evidence suggesting some weapons may have already been used against rival forces.
Experts who reviewed the evidence called it credible, but independent investigators cannot confirm the claims without access to weapons sites currently blocked by ongoing civil war. Sudan's military denies developing or using chemical weapons. If verified, the allegations would violate the Chemical Weapons Convention and international law, strengthening the case for targeted sanctions against Sudan's government.
How the Alleged Program Worked
A secretive military unit reportedly developed the chlorine program over six months in 2024, according to a dossier shared with The New York Times by a Middle Eastern intelligence agency. One document allegedly described a "dual-effect" bomb containing 15 kilograms of chlorine gas and 20 kilograms of explosives, with Arabic text stating the design was meant "to conceal any evidence of the use of chemicals."
Chlorine was reportedly diverted from civilian water-treatment supplies, a detail that could worsen health risks in Sudan already facing severe humanitarian needs. One alleged weapons factory reportedly showed dead scorpions on the floor, presented as possible evidence of hazardous chemical testing or handling at the facility.
The Officer Allegedly Behind the Weapons
Tariq Madani, an armed forces officer, has been identified as the alleged architect of the chemical weapons program. The U.S. Treasury sanctioned Madani in June over his role as managing director of a Sudanese company accused of importing explosives from Egyptian and Indian suppliers for military bombs. When contacted by The Washington Post, Madani denied any knowledge of chemical-weapons production.
Intercepted communications allegedly implicate Sudan's army chief, Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, though his actual knowledge or involvement remains unverified. Senior officials reportedly sought to conceal the program after U.S. sanctions and international scrutiny intensified.
Evidence of Weapons Being Used
The dossier indicates that as many as 106 alleged chlorine weapons may have been used against the Rapid Support Forces, Sudan's primary rival militia. One message allegedly sent to an officer involved in airstrikes included a video of a victim with charred skin and the words "Your cooking," suggesting military personnel may have discussed the effects of an alleged chemical attack in a mocking manner.
Why International Law Matters Here
Sudan is a party to the Chemical Weapons Convention, which prohibits the development, production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons. Any deliberate use or manufacturing would constitute a war crime and trigger international sanctions, weapons restrictions, and potential investigation by global authorities. However, accountability depends on establishing clear attribution and securing independent access to weapons sites—a challenge during active civil war.
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