A pro-army media network in Sudan has launched a campaign challenging allegations that the Sudanese Armed Forces used chemical weapons during the country’s conflict.
The initiative comes amid growing international attention to claims surrounding the alleged development and use of chlorine-based weapons.
The Sudanese army has denied using chemical weapons.
Meanwhile, separate claims that army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan offered funding for the media initiative have not been independently verified.
Sudan chemical weapons allegations face media response
The Al-Adasa Media Network said it launched an initiative involving journalists, broadcasters and social media figures in Khartoum.
Participants have recorded interviews with residents and filmed areas affected by the war.
The network says the material challenges allegations surrounding the army’s alleged use of chemical weapons.
It also plans to distribute Arabic and English reports, videos and other material to international audiences and human rights organisations.
The Sudan Times reported that the campaign has used the slogan “Where are the chemical weapons?”
Report claims Burhan offered support
Al-Sayha newspaper, citing informed sources, reported that Burhan instructed his office to organise a meeting with pro-army journalists and media figures.
The sources also alleged that Burhan was prepared to cover flights, accommodation and other costs for journalists travelling to participate.
However, The Sudan Times said it could not independently verify the funding allegation.
Radar Africa has also not independently verified the claim.
Chemical weapons claims remain disputed
The media campaign follows reports containing allegations about the possible development and use of chemical weapons in Sudan.
International and Arabic-language media have reported on documents, communications, images and other material allegedly linked to a programme involving chlorine-based munitions.
Sky News Arabia has also broadcast interviews with alleged victims and presented material it described as evidence related to suspected chemical attacks.
Separately, the Sudan Founding Alliance, known as TASIS, has accused the army of using prohibited chemical weapons.
The Sudanese army denies using chemical weapons.
Independent investigation remains important
Street interviews and images of everyday life cannot, by themselves, determine whether chemical weapons were used during earlier military operations.
Such allegations require specialised investigation.
Relevant evidence could include laboratory testing, medical records, environmental samples and examination of suspected munitions.
Access to alleged attack locations could also help qualified investigators assess the claims.
The competing allegations and denials therefore remain subject to further investigation and verification.
As Sudan’s conflict continues, establishing the facts through credible and independent examination remains important for determining whether prohibited weapons were used.