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 8 September)
- Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have committed grave violations against civilians, including killing, arbitrary detention, torture and inhumane treatment, states a new report by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan to the UN Human Righst Council.
- According to the report findings, the RSF committed “large-scale rape and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls, often targeting victims based on their combined gender and ethnic identity”.
- The civilian infrastructure has also been affected by both RSF and SAF, which includes attacks on food systems, medical facilities, worship places as well as humanitarian workers and facilities.
- More than 770,000 children are estimated to suffer from severe acute malnutrition this year, with around 130,000 children currently suffering from malnutrition, informed Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
- Clashes erupted between the SAF and RSF in North Kordofan, with the SAF reportedly capturing two strategic locations, Kazgeil and Fartangoul, on Sunday. While the SAF claims to have made significant advances, the RSF refuted these assertions, stating they had successfully targeted an army convoy.
- UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has described the situation in Sudan’s Darfur region as “catastrophic,” highlighting the alarming increase in civilian casualties and widespread atrocities amid escalating conflict between warring parties.
- Women-led organizations are being marginalised in decision-making processes with limited influence despite their crucial role in recovery, peacebuilding, and reconstruction initiatives in the current crisis, states a new report by the UN Population Fund and the Gender-Based Violence Area of Responsibility.
Situation in South Sudan (per 8 September)
- UN peacekeepers in South Sudan were ambushed by a local armed group while on a routine patrol in Western Equatoria, although no injuries were reported and all personnel returned safely.
- The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) condemned the attack, emphasizing that targeting peacekeepers could constitute a war crime and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians.
- An special inter-ministerial meeting was held in South Sudan on Sunday, focusing on addressing the ongoing cholera outbreak and the challenges posed by the rainy season, including floods, with officials emphasizing the need for enhanced collaboration and disaster preparedness.
- Severe flooding in Ayod County, Jonglei State, has displaced approximately 50,000 individuals, leaving them without essential resources such as food, shelter, and medical care, according to local officials.
- South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to reduce staff at its foreign diplomatic missions to cut costs and enhance efficiency amid ongoing economic difficulties.
- The initiative, directed by President Salva Kiir, aims to streamline operations without closing any missions, leaving most embassies with minimal personnel to manage budget constraints effectively.
Situation in Ethiopia (per 8 September)
- Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held a meeting with Ethiopia’s security leaders to address rising concerns over robberies, kidnappings, and the need for improved coordination between security forces and the public.
- The discussions also focused on the growing threat of social media being used for terrorist activities. “Social media terrorism needs to be monitored and controlled,” said PM Abiy.
- Ethiopia is set to inaugurate the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on Tuesday, a project that has sparked controversy and concerns among experts and downstream countries.
Situation in Tigray (per 8 September)
- Police in the Southeast Tigray Zone thwarted a human trafficking operation, arresting suspects who attempted to bring 37 individuals, including 13 children, to Saudi Arabia.
- Suspects were arrested on 4 September, after the police had to open fire to prevent the vehicle from escaping the checkpoint.
- Over 20 billion birr would be required to settle unpaid salaries, announced the Tigray Interim Regional Administration (TIRA) at the education sector conference.
- Though recognising that it will be challenging to allocate such a big budget for unpaid salaries, Deputy President Amanuel Assefa said that the TIRA is committed to allocate about 5% of “its upcoming budget to addressing the issue”.
Regional & International Situation (per 8 September)
- The Sudanese government has lodged a formal complaint with the United Nations Security Council, accusing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of intervening in its conflict by recruiting and deploying Colombian mercenaries to support the RSF.
- Between 350 and 380 Colombian mercenaries have reportedly been recruited to fight in Sudan by the UAE, states the complaint. Mercenaries are accused of fighting in the frontlines across multiple states in Sudan.
- African heads of state have gathered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2). The three-day event will focus on climate finance and sustainable development under the theme of “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions.”
- The summit aims to amplify Africa’s voice in climate action, adopt the Addis Ababa Declaration, and mobilize significant green investments, while also coinciding with the Second Africa–CARICOM Summit, which emphasizes collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean on various socio-economic issues.
- 12 Al-Shabaab fighters, including senior leaders, were reportedly killed in the latest operation carried out by Somali security forces and the US Africa Command in the Ceel-dhiiqo Weyne area in the Galgaduut region. 13 other fighters were injured and taken into custody.
Links of interest
Sudan: A War of Atrocities
‘Catastrophic hunger’: WHO chief warns of famine and cholera crisis in war-torn Sudan
Frontline resilience: Mapping the role and needs of women-led organizations in Sudan
Fighting flares in Sudan’s Kordofan as army claims gains
UN rights chief warns of ‘catastrophic’ conditions in Sudan’s El Fasher
UN patrol ambushed in Western Equatoria, weapons seized
Ayod County faces humanitarian crisis after floods
Cash-strapped South Sudan to downsize foreign mission staff
Ethiopian PM Meeting With Defense, Security Officials
Ethiopia prepares for inauguration of controversial Grand Renaissance dam
News: Police in Tigray arrest human smugglers attempting to traffic 37 people
Facebook: Tigray Police Commission
News: Tigray Interim Administration says over 20 billion birr needed for unpaid salaries
Sudan files UN complaint over alleged UAE-backed Colombian mercenaries in Darfur
Africa Climate Summit Kicks Off in Addis Ababa with Leaders and Thousands of Delegates
Major operation targets Al-Shabaab in central Somalia
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.