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 10 June)
- The last functioning hospital in the North Darfur capital El Fasher, South Hospital has been attacked and forced to shut down, states Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
- Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have entered the hospital, say eyewitnesses. MSF reports that RSF opened fire inside of the hospital. RSF looted drugs and medical equipment, stole an ambulance and assaulted staff.
- Civilians in El Fasher are being attacked and their houses and livelihoods destroyed, states the Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale School of Public Health (HRL).
- Areas in El Fasher destroyed by RSF equal the size of 1.919 square kilometers since 21 March, and 40 communities near El-Fasher have been burned since 31 March, HRL reports on the basis of satellite images.
- HRL observed 209 recently created mounds in cemeteries, although they state that the number of fatalities of the conflict is almost certainly much higher.
- No hindrance of RSF’s advance in El Fasher has yet been observed; HRL estimates that ground combat in or at the in or at the Sudanese Armed Forces’ 6th Infantry Division Base will occur in June.
- If RSF captures El Fasher, mass atrocities against civilians, including ethnically targeted attacks, are likely, states HRL.
- The Abu Shouk camp for displaced persons was shelled by RSF on Thursday, killing four civilians, including three children, sources state.
- The World Food Programme (WFP) is expanding its emergency response in Sudan to prevent a famine. It is doubling the number of people that it announced it would support in the beginning of 2024, with an additional 5 million people.
Situation in Ethiopia (per 10 June)
- The heads of the Efrata Gidim and Kewet woredas in the Amhara region were killed by Fano militia on 2 and 5 June respectively, state local officials.
- The state of emergency in the Amhara region, which officially ended last Thursday, has not been extended.
Situation in Tigray (per 10 June)
- Hundreds of Tigray forces crossed Tekeze river to move towards Welkait and Tselemti on Friday night, locals state. Welkait and Tselemti are currently occupied by Amhara forces.
- The Aksum airport was reopened. The airport was closed following destruction during the Tigray war.
- A panel of experts commented on the possibilities for justice and accountability following the Tigray war in Ethiopia, in the context of the recent report stating that serious breaches of international law in Tigray constituted genocide.
Situation in Eritrea (per 10 June)
- The Young People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (YPFDJ), the nationalist Eritrean diaspora youth organisation of the Eritrean government, held a congress in Wau, South Sudan, under the theme of “I Am EPLF.”
- The Eritrean ambassador to South Sudan “called on the youth members of the 4th Front to equip themselves with the vision and stance of the EPLF”, stated the Eritrean Ministry of Information. The EPLF was the group fighting for Eritrean liberation before changing its name to PFDJ, Eritrea’s only party.
- Another embassy representative told the youth that they play an important role in “countering external hostilities” against Eritrea.
- The pro-Eritrean government organisation Federatie van Eritrese Gemeenschappen in Nederland (FEN) in the Netherlands has filed a police report against Brigade Nhamedu, claiming it to be a terrorist organisation.
- The Dutch public prosecutor stated that it was looking into the report.
Situation in Somalia (per 10 June)
- Fighting between the Dir and Marihan clans in Somalia over the weekend killed at least 55 people and injured at least 155.
- A clan elder stated that the fighting between the towns of Abudwaq and Herale erupted over access to grazing lands and watering points. There is currently a ceasefire, but the atmosphere is tense.
- The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), the UN and the Somali government have pledged to work on environmental conservation to combat the effects of climate change in Somalia.
- The airline company Flydubai announced that it is suspending flights to Mogadishu, Somalia, as of 10 June, due security concerns. The flights were the only direct flight connection between Somalia and the United Arab Emirates, and started in March 2023.
Situation in South Sudan (per 10 June)
- Aid workers in South Sudan run the most risk of being killed than in any other country in the past decade, according to a database tracking aid worker security. 94% of the aid workers killed were South Sudanese.
- Local organisations often do not get the necessary funding to keep their aid staff safe, says The New Humanitarian. National aid workers have fewer resources, rights and protections than their international colleagues, and are underrepresented in leadership roles..
International Situation (per 10 June)
- Seven Dubai-based companies have been added to the US sanctions regime on Sudan, and have been subject to a “blocked pending investigation” action.
- South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol reportedly proposed to increase bilateral cooperation with Eritrea in the mining sector, in the bilateral meeting held with Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki last week.
Links of interest
El-Fasher: Last civilian hospital in Sudan city closed after RSF attack
SPECIAL REPORT El-Fasher: State of Crisis
Hospital, camp hit in lethal North Darfur shelling – Dabanga Radio TV Online
Sudan: WFP expands emergency response to avert famine
Ethiopia reports two Amhara officials killed as state of emergency ends
Tigray Fighters Cross Tekeze River towards Welkait & Tselemti
Special panel on a new “Genocide in Tigray” report: paths to accountability and justice in Ethiopia
First Congress of YPFDJ Organization
Fighting between central Somalia clans kills at least 55, residents say
ATMIS, UN pledge to promote sustainable environment in Somalia
Somalia: Flydubai Suspends Flights to Mogadishu Amid Security Concerns
Why is South Sudan so dangerous for local aid workers?
US designations: counter-narcotics, Sudan, & West Bank
[Bridge to Africa] S. Korea can be catalyst in unlocking Africa’s mining: Eritrean President
OM doet onderzoek naar Eritrese Brigade Nhamedu na verwijt terroristische organisatie te zijn in aangifte
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.