Europe External Programme with Africa is a Belgium-based Centre of Expertise with in-depth knowledge, publications, and networks, specialised in issues of peacebuilding, refugee protection, and resilience in the Horn of Africa. EEPA has published extensively on issues related to the movement and/or human trafficking of refugees in the Horn of Africa and on the Central Mediterranean Route. It cooperates with a wide network of universities, research organisations, civil society, and experts from Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, and across Africa. The Situation Reports can be found here. To receive the situation report in your e-mail, click here. You can unsubscribe at any moment through the link at the bottom of each e-mail.
Situation in Sudan (per 27 May)
- El Fasher South Hospital, North Darfur, remains the only functioning hospital in the state with only a few days of supplies left, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
- Overall humanitarian situation in El Fasher is deteriorating as fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues. Supply vehicles face difficulties to enter.
- More than 130 people have been killed and 900 injured in El Fasher since the fighting between SAF and RSF escalated on 10 May, according to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
- 377 cases of rape have been documented in Sudan since the start of the conflict, according to a new report by the campaign Together Against Rape and Sexual Violence. The report highlights that official number of sexual violence is expected to be much higher.
- Among reported crimes, there are 131 cases involving young girls that endured severe psychological and physical consequences.
- The meeting of the Sudanese civilian coalition, the Coordination of Civilian Democratic Forces, known as “Taqadum,” was postponed by a day due to security and logistical issues faced by participants travelling from Sudan to Ethiopia.
- The conference, running from 27 to 30 May in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, aims to address the humanitarian consequences of Sudan’s conflict, establish the coalition’s political vision and organisational structure, and elect a leadership council.
- Despite reduced attendance due to the security challenges, Taqadum’s spokesperson Bakry Eljack emphasised the coalition’s unity and broad participation, including several observer entities, and confirmed the focus on developing a new vision for ending the war and rebuilding Sudan.
- 20 trucks carrying sheep to Port Sudan have been halted due to a dispute between RSF commanders in Um Rawaba, North Kordofan over transit fees that should be imposed on passing trucks.
- This exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in North Kordofan where merchants are already struggling with power outages and high water prices.
- A volunteer with the Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS), Bashir Shuaib, was killed while on duty last week, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. This has been the third SRCS volunteer who died within the last two months in Sudan.
Situation in Ethiopia (per 27 May)
- The Caucus of Opposition Parties (CoP), a coalition of eleven opposition groups in Ethiopia, has accused the National Dialogue Commission of failing to create an inclusive and transparent national dialogue.
- The CoP claims the Commission’s members were appointed against the intended purpose of fostering justice, unity, and reconciliation in Ethiopia, and instead, it has been used to improve international relations for securing loans and aid.
- The CoP further argued that the government’s conditions for peace talks with armed groups are unrealistic and lack genuine transitional justice efforts.
- More than 15,000 Sudanese citizens that are currently residing in Addis Ababa will have their visa renewed free of charge, informed the Ethiopian National Task Force.
- The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for structured discussion with the US representatives after the US ambassador, Ervin Massinga, delivered a speech touching on internal conflict in the country and calling on opposition groups and armed groups to enter into dialogue to resolve disputes.
- The speech has been previously criticised by the Ethiopian government as ill-advised.
Situation in Eritrea (per 27 May)
- Eritrean President, Isaias Afwerki, delivered a speech in Asmara on the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of the Eritrean Independence Day on 24 May.
- President Isaias commented on the global developments discrediting the influence of NATO and the European Union, stating that the great fear of the west “stems from the economic and technological growth of China” as well as “the containment of Russia”.
- He further praised the Eritrean communities living abroad for their “patriotism they have displayed in various trying times as well as in the past year; and urge them to keep this up”.
Regional Situation (per 27 May)
- Kenyan President, William Ruto, expressed concern that withdrawal of the troops of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) may lead to a surge of Al-Shabaab’s influence in Somalia. ATMIS troops are due to withdraw fully by the end of December 2024.
- Ruto raised his concerns during his state visit to the US last week urging the US to support stopping the ATMIS withdrawal.
International Situation (per 27 May)
- The chairman of the British chapter of Brigade Nhamedu stated that the group is increasing its awareness of how to operate: “In the beginning, there was no leadership that would manage things and take safety responsibly – as a result many of our members became victims of violence,” he said.
- A group of police officers was deployed in the Dutch city of Amersfoort on Saturday evening to prevent a confrontation between groups of Eritreans. It is presumed that the confrontation was expected to arise between supporters of the Eritrean regime and a pro-democracy Eritrean group.
- Dozens of Eritreans were gathered in a building in the Kruiskamp district in Amersfoort while another group was approaching the venue from outside when the police intervened. The police maintained communications with both groups. No destruction or fighting has been reported.
- Somaliland President, Muse Bihi Abdi, stated that granting Ethiopia access to the sea can be beneficial in securing free naval navigation in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea which is threatened by Houthi militia.
- The UN Security Council (UNSC) held a private meeting on Sudan on Friday amid escalating violence across multiple states in Sudan.
Links of interest
Sudan: Conflict in Al Fasher, North Darfur – Flash Update No. 02 (as of 23 May 2024)
Sudan: Deteriorating situation in El Fasher, health system collapsing nationwide
130 people die at Sudan hospital amid city siege
Over 370 rapes reported in Sudan ongoing conflict, including 131 against young girls
Tagadum conference begins in Addis Ababa after one-day delay
RSF command dispute halts sheep transport to Port Sudan
Aid worker killed in Sudan’s North Darfur State
Statement: IFRC mourns death of another Sudanese Red Crescent volunteer killed in the line of duty
Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation
Dialogue Commission seeks government guarantee to onboard armed groups’ in national dialogue
Ministry calls for ‘dignified discourse and discussion’ with US
Ruto: Al-Shabaab will take over Somalia after ATMIS withdrawal
Somaliland leader says access deal with Ethiopia can deter Houthi attacks
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cw884l2wld8o.amp
Politie voorkomt confrontatie tussen groepen Eritreeërs in Amersfoort
Disclaimer: All information in this Situation Report is presented as a fluid update report, as to the best knowledge and understanding of the authors at the moment of publication. EEPA does not claim that the information is correct but verifies to the best of ability within the circumstances. Publication is weighed on the basis of interest to understand potential impacts of events (or perceptions of these) on the situation. Check all information against updates and other media. EEPA does not take responsibility for the use of the information or impact thereof. All information reported originates from third parties and the content of all reported and linked information remains the sole responsibility of these third parties. Report to info@eepa.be any additional information and corrections.