The NGO Forum participating in the 85th Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has rejected attempts to obstruct the resolution addressing the alleged use of chemical weapons in Sudan, marking a major victory for Sudanese and African human rights organizations following the adoption of the decision.
Human rights NGOs succeeded in securing approval for the resolution after extensive discussions and despite efforts by parties aligned with Sudan’s military regime to derail the process by calling for further clarifications and delaying the vote.
The forum, held late on Saturday evening in the Gambian capital, Banjul, concluded with the decision’s formal adoption by the internal committee responsible for resolutions.
This step paved the way for the resolution to be presented to the 85th Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights as a collective stance by African civil society on the grave violations taking place in Sudan.
Grounded in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and related international conventions, the resolution expresses deep concern over reports indicating the use of chemical weapons in the states of Khartoum, Al-Jazirah, Sennar, and Darfur.
The resolution reaffirms that Sudan is a party to the Chemical Weapons Convention and is legally obligated to refrain from developing, producing, or using such weapons.
It also recalls the statement issued by the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 10, in which the ministry’s spokesperson reaffirmed Sudan’s commitment to the Chemical Weapons Convention and categorically rejected the use of such weapons, emphasizing the country’s adherence to its international obligations.
However, the Forum deemed the statement insufficient, noting that it contained no practical measures to investigate the allegations or to permit independent monitoring mechanisms.
According to the resolution, this necessitates tangible steps to ensure transparency and accountability.
Accordingly, the resolution calls on the Sudanese authorities to fully cooperate with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and to allow the deployment of independent technical teams within the country to conduct thorough, transparent, and timely investigations, in coordination with relevant regional and international mechanisms.
The decision is expected to positively influence the positions of African states within the Commission and to contribute to reshaping regional perspectives on Sudan’s human rights situation, including calls for the establishment of independent investigative mechanisms.
Several Forum participants affirmed that the adoption of this resolution will open the door to bilateral meetings with African state delegations during the 85th Session, aimed at strengthening cooperation on accountability and combating impunity.