Sweden, Stockholm
Sudan is witnessing a troubling surge in suspected cholera cases across Khartoum and several other states, amid the collapse of its healthcare system due to the ongoing war since April 2023. While initial reports pointed to a cholera outbreak, emerging field testimonies and medical sources suggest the possibility of chemical poisoning linked to leaked substances from military weapon storage sites in Omdurman. Investigations by The New York Times and The Washington Post support these claims, reporting that the Sudanese army deployed toxic chemicals against civilians in rural areas. International human rights groups are calling for an independent investigation, and the United States has announced sanctions against Sudan following confirmed chemical weapons use in 2024.
In recent weeks, Sudan has witnessed a troubling increase in suspected cholera cases in the capital, Khartoum, and several other states, worsening an already dire crisis since the outbreak of war in mid-April 2023.
On Saturday, Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) reported thousands of suspected cholera cases in Sudan, including 500 in a single day in Khartoum, amid deteriorating public health conditions. The organization cited several contributing factors, most notably the lack of access to safe drinking water.
The Sudanese Doctors Syndicate described the situation as “catastrophic” and attributed the public health breakdown to the war’s devastating toll. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health in Port Sudan reported 2,323 cholera cases and 51 deaths as of Friday, expressing concern that the numbers could rise further — a development some experts described as “unusual” and alarming.
Most of the infections have been concentrated in Khartoum, particularly in the southern districts, as well as in the Omdurman area northwest of the capital. Cases have also been reported in parts of Al Jazirah State.
Possible Chemical Poisoning
Meanwhile, medical sources have raised the possibility that the recent surge in cases may be linked not to cholera, but to chemical poisoning. According to the Sudanese news outlet Al Rakoba, there were reports of smoke and dust leaking from a weapons depot in Omdurman last week.
A volunteer, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, stated: “What’s happening in Omdurman and southern Khartoum is not a cholera outbreak, but a direct result of poisoning from chemical weapons residues.” The source noted that many patients do not display typical cholera symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, but instead report severe headaches and abdominal cramps.
Last week, Sudanese expatriates in the UK staged a large protest outside the British Parliament, denouncing the alleged use of chemical weapons by the Sudanese army in the ongoing civil war. Some demonstrators wore yellow hazmat suits and gas masks to symbolize the lack of protection Sudanese civilians have against chemical agents, especially after confirmed reports of chemical weapon use.
The Sudanese Armed Forces used chemical weapons at least twice against the Rapid Support Forces and in remote areas of the country.
Sanctions and International Outcry
Following these allegations, Human Rights Watch released a report on January 28, 2025, urging the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to open an immediate investigation, stating that the evidence is “credible enough to warrant an official inquiry.”
Amnesty International also expressed serious concern, calling for an independent investigation to ensure accountability for any violations of international law.
According to The New York Times, the Sudanese military used chemical agents in rural areas, causing severe injuries among civilians. The report stated that the chemical weapons program is known to only a small group within the military and was allegedly authorized by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan for use against the Rapid Support Forces.
This account was supported by The Washington Post, which published a report on January 20, 2025, based on satellite imagery and on-the-ground testimonies, corroborating the use of chemical weapons by the Sudanese army in targeted regions.
Last Thursday, the U.S. Department of State announced it would impose sanctions on Sudan following confirmed reports of chemical weapon use in 2024. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that the sanctions would include restrictions on U.S. exports and government credit lines, taking effect around June 6, after notifying Congress.
“The United States calls on the Sudanese government to cease the use of chemical weapons and fulfill its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention,” Bruce said in a press release.