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 1 May)
- The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) executed between 25-30 civilians in Omdurman, raising outrage after graphic videos of the incident surfaced online. The RSF fighters alleged that the victims had ties to the Baraa Bin Malik Brigade, a group that has fought alongside the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
- Disturbing videos revealed RSF gunmen shooting at a group of seated prisoners, with one fighter ordering for them to be killed.
- The UN Secretary General, António Guterres, has expressed deep concern over the escalating crisis in Sudan amid reported ongoing violence in El Fasher, stating that he is “appalled by the increasingly catastrophic situation in Sudan’s North Darfur State, as deadly attacks continue on its capital”.
- Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of Sudan’s Sovereign Council, has appointed Dafallah Al-Haj Ali Osman as the new Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Head of Government. Osman served as the country’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
- This change comes amid efforts to form a new government, following the dismissal of several ministers.
- The widespread gender-based violence in Sudan, particularly in Darfur, is a calculated genocidal strategy aimed at dismantling communities rather than a mere consequence of conflict, stated experts during the discussion organised by the Darfur Women’s Action Group (DWAG).
Situation in South Sudan (per 1 May)
- South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has made significant changes in his security leadership, dismissing the head of the General Intelligence Bureau (GIB) and replacing his presidential security advisor, as reported by state media.
- Lieutenant General Simon Yien Makuac was removed from the GIB without explanation and succeeded by General Thoi Chany Reat, while General Madut Dut Yel was appointed as the new presidential advisor on national security, reflecting a shift in focus towards intelligence leadership within the government.
- South Sudan has restarted its oil production and exports through Sudan following repairs to a pipeline that was damaged during the ongoing conflict in Sudan. It is a crucial development for the South Sudanese economy, which heavily relies on oil revenue.
Situation in Ethiopia (per 1 May)
- Former Tigray Interim Administration President Getachew Reda announced that a faction that broke away from the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), is in the process of establishing a new political party called the Tigray Liberal Democratic Party (TLDP).
- The formal recognition is expected soon as the TLDP currently undergoes registration process.
- There are increasing reports of Fano militia targeting civilians, particularly community leaders and young people.
- In Oromia, Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF) have reportedly launched a series of attacks, with civilians being the biggest number killed.
- The National Dialogue Commission mandate was reportedly extended by one year. Representatives have reportedly gone to Bahir Dar for agenda collection which should be completed within two months.
- The Ethiopian Council of Ministers has proposed a new draft law to regulate foreign ownership and use of immovable property, signaling a potential change in the country’s longstanding restrictions on land ownership for non-nationals.
- If approved by the House of People’s Representatives, this legislation aims to attract foreign investment, enhance affordable housing, and create jobs.
- Oromia regional security forces have reportedly been carrying out targeted arbitrary detentions of young men in Adama, Oromia,, with many families left in the dark about their loved ones’ whereabouts.
- Eyewitness accounts describe a disturbing scene outside an informal detention center in Adama, where families gather in desperation, while allegations of extortion and forced recruitment practices by security personnel have emerged.
Regional & International Situation (per 1 May)
- The funding for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) has reportedly been stalled since the beginning of this year, putting the mission in a funding limbo.
- The SAF has refuted claims made by the UAE Attorney General regarding the interception of ammunition intended for Sudan, labeling the accusations as fabrications aimed at obscuring the UAE’s alleged support for the RSF.
- This news comes as the International Court of Justice prepares to rule on Sudan’s complaint against the UAE, which accuses it of complicity in killings of people from the Masalit ethnic group and highlights ongoing concerns about the UAE’s role in aiding the RSF.
Refugee and Migration Situation (per 1 May)
- Eritrean refugees are reportedly being rounded up and transported to Afar region by ENDF where they are handed over to Eritrean security forces at the border. There was a report of 400 deported refugees last week.
- Eritrean refugees have reportedly received the message that they should prepare to leave Addis Ababa.
- Sudanese refugees are increasingly resorting to more dangerous migration routes to reach Europe as ‘traditional’ smuggling costs have skyrocketed to 150,000 USD per person.
- IOM has observed a notable rise in the number of people returning from Egypt to Sudan, with the total increasing by 44% in just three weeks. In April 2025 alone, nearly 49,800 Sudanese returnees crossed the border from Egypt, more than doubling the figures from the previous month.
- Hans Leijtens, the Executive Director of Frontex, the EU’s border agency, expressed regret over the necessity of returning migrants to Libya, where they often face severe human rights violations, stating that sometimes it is the only option to prevent loss of life at sea.
- The European Commission plans to introduce new legislation in 2026 aimed at reforming Frontex to enhance the mandate of the agency while focusing on increasing staff, resources, and equipment.
Links of interest
Rapid Support Forces execute civilians in Omdurman
UN alert over deepening crisis in Sudan as famine spreads and violence escalates
Sudan’s Burhan appoints envoy Dafallah Al-Haj as cabinet minister, government head
‘The body as a battlefield’: Sexual violence in Sudan is a ‘deliberate genocidal tactic’
Kiir replaces general intelligence chief, security advisor
South Sudan resumes oil exports via Sudan after pipeline repair
Council passes draft law to allow foreign nationals own ‘immovable property’ in Ethiopia
Unlawful Detentions Reported in Adama as Oromia Forces Face Accusations
Sudan army denies UAE arms claim, accuses Emirates of backing RSF militia
Sudanese refugees choose ‘suicide trips’ over 150k USD smuggling fees
DTM Sudan: Return Monitoring Alert (Update 02), 27 April 2025
I wish I didn’t have to send people back to Libya, Frontex chief tells Euronews
European Union set to reform Frontex again in 2026
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.