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 21 November)
- The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) appear to be gaining ground in Khartoum and are trying to outflank the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the north of Khartoum. SAF is making no progress in the Al-Muqran area of central Khartoum, where fierce fighting is ongoing.
- RSF forces attacked the Wad Oshaib village in Al Jazirah state on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, killing at least 42 people by gunshot. 27 others died from epidemics, lack of medical care, and lack of food, local activists from Al-Jazira Conference stated.
- The attack started last week Thursday, as RSF implemented a blockade and looted houses.
- The capital of Al Jazirah, Tekina, was also attacked by RSF on Wednesday, killing at least 10 people. Six people died from shelling in the nearby village of Um Magd as well.
- RSF has reportedly redirected irrigation reservoirs and canals to flood homes in villages in Al Jazirah.
- SAF has reached the outskirts of Singa, the last stronghold of RSF in Sennar State. Meanwhile, heavy clashes continue in El Fasher in North Darfur.
- The cholera epidemic in Sudan has killed 1072 people so far. In total, 38,000 cases of cholera have been detected since the declaration of the epidemic in August 2024.
Situation in Ethiopia (per 21 November)
- A video of the beheading of a young man in Oromia that was spread over social media has sparked outrage across the region. The BBC Afaan Oromo service reported that the event occurred in the Darra district of the North Shewa Zone, possibly over two months ago, although the video emerged recently.
- The beheading is part of a wave of violence in Darra district, where over 43 civilians have lost their lives due to clashes involving government forces and armed groups, states Addis Standard.
- Residents in Oromia are reporting an increase in the targeting of youth in forced conscription campaigns. Accounts relate to youth being arrested and ransom being demanded for their release, on threat of conscription if the ransoms are not paid.
- A disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) program for 75,000 former combatants in Tigray started today. The ex-combatants will go to dedicated DDR centres.
Regional Situation (per 21 November)
- Eritreans have started a petition against the arbitrary arrests and excessive exit fees for Eritrean refugees who have fled to Ethiopia.
- According to the petition writers, exit permit fees to leave Ethiopia can be as high as $4,200, preventing many Eritreans from fleeing Ethiopia. Meanwhile, Eritreans are arrested in large numbers every day.
- The official election results for Somaliland indicate that Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) of the Wadani party (63.92% of votes) has been chosen as Somaliland’s new president. He inherits the tensions over the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Somaliland and Ethiopia.
- It is expected that Irro will review the deal.
International Situation (per 21 November)
- A draft resolution in the UN Security Council to protect civilians and increase humanitarian aid access to Sudan was vetoed by Russia on Monday.
- Eritrea’s embassy in Washington has helped raise millions of dollars for the Eritrean government, the Washington Post states.
- In a recording of a meeting of around 100 Eritreans living across the US, Eritrean embassy officials pressed them to organise fundraising events and urge fellow diaspora members to raise money to support Eritrea’s struggle against its opponents.
- Sanctions imposed by the US in relation to Eritrea’s role in the war in Ethiopia have not stopped the Eritrean ruling party People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ) from working with the Eritrean embassy and US-based Eritrean non-profit organisations to raise further funding, states WP.
- This could be illegal, as it is not allowed to raise money on behalf of a sanctioned entity in the US, and in the case of Eritrea, the government is indistinguishable from the sanctioned ruling party.
- Former UK defence secretary Gavin Williamson states he is confident that Trump will take up the issue of recognition of Somaliland when he returns to the office of US president.
- US Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Pierrello made his first visit to Sudan since being appointed in February 2024. He called for opening up humanitarian corridors.
Refugee and Migration Situation (per 21 November)
- Survivors and family members of refugees who drowned off Tunisia between 7 and 8 November 2024 state that a boat carrying refugees and migrants was rammed by the Tunisian coast guard until it capsized. 52 people reportedly drowned in the incident.
- Survivors report that a fisherman rescued 23 people, but was forced to hand them over to the coast guard, who abandoned one group in the desert and sold the other group to a Libyan detention centre.
- 87% of Sudanese women who fled from Sudan to Eastern Chad witnessed death, while 84% experienced physical violence, 75% experienced sexual violence and 63% experienced robbery, according to a snapshot of protection needs by the Mixed Migration Centre and the UN Refugee Agency.
- El Geneina in West Darfur was experienced as the most dangerous location by 75% of the respondents.
- Lack of food was perceived as the highest concern by 90% of the respondents on the road from Sudan to Eastern Chad. Respondents also indicated that children were highly exposed to abuse and harm.
- The government of Spain has announced a plan to legalise 300,000 migrants per year, starting from May 2025 up to 2027. As Spain needs around 250,000 foreign workers a year, the plan is a development strategy to sustain its economic growth.
- Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamed Ali Nafti met with EU Ambassadors in Tunisia, discussing the strengthening of the EU-Tunisia partnership, in among others, migration.
Links of interest
Sudanese army gains ground in Khartoum, but war with RSF drags on
42 dead in attack by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces on village
RSF kills 10 in second day of attacks on Sudan’s Al Jazirah town
Sudan cholera epidemic deaths rise to 1,072 amid ongoing war
News: Tigray launches DDR program for 75,000 ex-combatants, Mekelle to receive 320 in first week
Cease Arrests of Eritreans in Addis Ababa and Abolish Excessive ‘EXIT PERMIT’ Fees
Somaliland’s president-elect faces Ethiopia coastal deal challenges amid regional tensions
How a brutally repressive African country freely raises money in the U.S.
Russia vetoes Security Council resolution to protect civilians, increase aid access in Sudan
U.S. Special Envoy makes first visit to Sudan
Sudanese arrivals in Eastern Chad: Protection experiences, needs and onward movement intentions
Spain’s left-wing gov’t to legalize 300,000 undocumented migrants, bucking EU trend
Tunisia-EU partnership at center of EU Ambassadors meeting
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.