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 12 September)
- Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) warns of a cholera outbreak in central and eastern Sudan, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.
- Thousands of cholera cases have been detected, due to contaminated water supplies and poor sanitation, worsened by floods, torrential rains, as well as ongoing conflict and displacement.
- Video footage of militiamen in Sudan has circulated on social media, showing perpetrators celebrating abuse of prisoners and burning houses. According to experts, these videos can be used as key evidence against perpetrators, highlighting their role in war crimes during the ongoing conflict.
- At least 30 children were killed or injured in the recent shelling of civilian areas in Sennar, reports UNICEF, calling on all sides to stop attacks on children and civilians.
- “In 2024, the UN continues to receive information of a shocking number of children being killed and maimed by heavy aerial bombardment, the use of artillery, and small arms fire”, said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative to Sudan.
Situation in Ethiopia (per 12 September)
- 178 Tigray ex-military members previously sentenced by military courts for crimes committed during the two-year Tigray war have been pardoned, including those facing lengthy sentences up to death, confirmed the Ethiopian Ministry of Defense.
- After reviewing their requests for forgiveness, the pardon was granted on the occasion of the Ethiopian New Year celebrated on 11 September.
- Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede, deputy president of Tigray Regional Interim Administration (IRA), warned emerging factions within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) against actions that promote division.
- “Both factions must cease their current divisive activities and seek a political resolution to the conflict,” said Werede. He further emphasised the need for unity in Tigray and reinforced a ban on public rallies that could destabilise the region, aiming to maintain peace after the conflict.
- Getachew Reda, President of Tigray IRA, met with US Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Mike Hammer discussing progress on implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.
Regional Situation (per 12 September)
- Debretsion Gebremichael, leader of TPLF, stated that Getachew Reda, President of Tigray IRA, met with Eritrean representatives in Dubai, UAE, for talks focusing on peace building between TPLF and Eritrea about six months ago.
- The meeting was undisclosed to the public but known to the TPLF Executive Committee as well as Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed, said Debretsion, claiming the talks yielded positive results as “the abduction of citizens, looting and other activities by the Eritrean forces has improved and eased” after the talks.
- Somaliland finalised the Memorandum of Understanding with Ethiopia, which will soon be formalised into a legal agreement, said Dr. Essa Kayd, Somaliland Minister for Foreign Affairs.
- Dr. Kayd expressed further concerns about “Egyptian forces deployed in neighbouring Somalia, which are contributing to proxy conflicts in the region”.
- Djibouti proposed a port-sharing deal to Ethiopia, offering access to its port for landlocked Ethiopia’s imports and exports. The offer seeks to boost regional trade, strengthen economic ties, and bring peace and stability to the escalating situation between Somalia and Ethiopia.
International Situation (per 12 September)
- The UN Security Council extended sanctions on Sudan until September 2025, citing the ongoing conflict and human rights violations. The draft resolution was adopted unanimously on Wednesday. The sanctions include an arms embargo, travel bans, and freezing of assets.
- Al-Harith Idriss al-Harith Mohamed, Sudan’s representative to the UN, commented that the UAE is aiding the militias fighting in Sudan. This was refuted by the UAE representative, Mohamed Abushahab, calling the accusations false and deflective.
- The UN Human Rights Deputy High Commissioner Nada Al-Nashif accused both Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of disregarding international law by targeting civilians.
- “Our office is particularly alarmed by the use since the beginning of the conflict of sexual violence as a weapon of war”, said Al-Nashif during 57th session of the U.N. Human Rights Council.
- US aid pledged over $100 million in emergency food assistance to South Sudan in support of the needs of civilians exacerbated by instability, flooding, conflict in neighbouring Sudan, and displacement.
Refugee and Migration Situation (per 12 September)
- Activists and rights groups criticise EU plans to strengthen the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, claiming the agency fails to protect human rights, especially in border pushbacks of migrants and refugees attempting to enter the EU.
- Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens denied the allegations of illegal pushbacks by the agency, emphasising its commitment to international law and claiming that Frontex operations are transparent.
- Addressing members of the European Parliament during a session organised by the LIBE Committee, Leijtens stated that 40,000 irregular migrants were returned by Frontex in 2024 out of which 65% of the returns were voluntary.
- A controversial proposal by Hungary, according to which asylum seekers entering Hungary would be sent by buses to Brussels, was condemned by Belgian Foreign Minister and Incoming EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, calling it a “provocation that contradicts European obligations”.
- The Libyan Coast Guard intercepted a boat with 64 migrants and refugees near the town of Sirte, returning them to shore. The boat carrying the people was reportedly set on fire after disembarking.
- 10.8 million people are now displaced within Sudan due to the ongoing conflict, while over 2.3 million crossed the borders to neighbouring countries since the start of the conflict in April 2023, according to The IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix.
Links of interest
Cholera is Sudan’s latest peril
Sudanese rebels appear to be posting self-incriminating videos of torture and arson on social media
At least 30 children reportedly killed or injured in shelling of civilian areas in Sennar city, Sudan
Ethiopia pardons 178 military personnel sentenced up to death for crimes during Tigray conflict
News: Tigray forces chief warns TPLF factions to cease divisive actions, tightens rally ban
X: Tigrai Television
Tigray leader reports talks with archrival Eritrea
Djibouti says offering port-sharing deal to Ethiopia
X: MFA Somaliland
The UN Security Council extends sanctions on Sudan until September 2025
UN says warring parties in Sudan are disregarding international law
The United States Announces More Than $100 Million in Additional Humanitarian Assistance for South Sudan
Rights groups criticize EU plans to strengthen Frontex
Frontex’s executive director defends agency, denies allegations of pushbacks
Belgium slams Hungarian plan to bus asylum seekers to Brussels
Libyan coastguard returns boat with 64 migrants to shore
UN DTM: 10.8 million people now displaced in Sudan
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.