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Situation in Sudan (per 4 September)
- Over 1,000 people have been killed in a devastating landslide in the village of Tarasin in Sudan’s mountainous Jebel Marra area of the Darfur region. The village has been “completely levelled to the ground”, reported the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A), which controls the area.
- The disaster, triggered by heavy rainfall, has prompted calls for international aid to assist in recovery efforts. Rescue operations are currently on the way, however, large blocks of stone and mud, as well as limited resources complicate the situation for rescue teams.
- 89% of farmers in Sudan’s conflict-affected areas have experienced a decline in agricultural production, with over 55% unable to harvest due to insecurity, states a new report by CARE.
- The study emphasizes the severe impact on female farmers, who face significant barriers such as lack of financial resources and market access.
- A surge in malaria and dengue diseases has caused hospitals in Sudan’s Khartoum state to face extreme overcrowding of patients.
- Sources estimate approximately 2.5 million malaria cases while the health ministry is initiating spraying campaigns to control disease. Officials emphasize the need for increased funding and improved resource management to address the health crisis.
Situation in Tigray (per 4 September)
- The Tigray Interim Regional Administration (TIRA) has refuted the decision by the Synod of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) to create a new self-governing diocese for six districts in Southern Tigray. TIRA claimed it is a politically motivated act that undermines the region’s integrity.
- Tigray Orthodox Tewahedo Church had also previously opposed the EOTC Synod’s decision, which concerns six districts in the Southern Tigray Zone, namely Alamata town, Alamata, Korem town, Ofla, Bata and Chercher.
Situation in Ethiopia (per 4 September)
- 26 people were reportedly killed and 21 others are missing after an armed attack by Fano armed militants on 29 August in the Abe Dongoro district of Oromia, according to local residents and officials.
- The attackers were reported to come early to the area attacking the local population while using firearms and machetes. The local Fano leadership denied its involvement in the attack stating that perpetrators “could be individuals wearing Fano uniforms and former militia members”.
- Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) will be accessible to the public within the next couple of weeks. A large-scale GERD project has been disputed by other downstream countries claiming large impacts on the local communities.
- The governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE), Mamo Mihretu, has announced his resignation to pursue other interests after a seven-year career in public service, including his role in Ethiopia’s economic reforms. He served as the NBE’s Governor from January 2023.
International and Regional Situation (per 4 September)
- South Sudanese pounds are reportedly circulating in Sudan’s Darfur region, controlled by the Rapid Support Forces, stated South Sudanese lawmaker Micheal Ruot Koryom, which contributes to worsening cash shortage affecting citizens and civil servants in South Sudan.
- South Sudan’s Transitional National Legislative Assembly held a debate over the currency scarcity and rising insecurity, indicating that key financial and security officials will be summoned to address these issues.
- Egypt and Sudan have jointly rejected any unilateral actions concerning the GERD, emphasizing that their water security is interconnected and must be preserved through collaborative efforts.
- During a recent meeting in Cairo, officials from both countries reaffirmed their commitment to work together and with other Nile Basin states to address their concerns.
- UN peacekeeping missions are under severe financial strain due to recent budget cuts by the US, which could hinder continuity of the missions in conflict zones like South Sudan and the DRC.
- The US accounts for nearly 27% of the UN peacekeeping budget, and the cancellation of $4.9 billion in foreign aid, including over $800 million for peacekeeping, raises concerns about the future effectiveness of these operations.
- Pope Leo XIV called on the international community to support humanitarian assistance to the people suffering in war-torn Sudan, particularly highlighting the dire situation in Darfur where civilians face siege, famine and violence. He also called for prayers for the victims of recent landslides in Tarasin.
Refugee and Migration Situation (per 4 September)
- The refugee situation in Gambella region, Ethiopia, remains dire with South Sudanese refugees being the largest group. 79% of the South Sudanese (SS) refugees are estimated to be women, girls and children with over 50,000 people arriving in Gambella since March 2025.
- During registration processes, 1,367 vulnerable children, including 664 girls, were identified out of which 1,151 are separated, and 55 unaccompanied children.
- Refugees in Gambella are experiencing significant protection challenges due to inadequate shelter, insufficient sanitation facilities, and a lack of support services for survivors of gender-based violence and individuals with disabilities.
- The Luok Dong site which currently hosts South Sudanese refugees faces challenges of delivery of food due to poor infrastructure, muddy roads and fuel shortages.
- UNHCR plans to reduce its budget by nearly 20% next year due to financial limitations. This budget cut will lead to the closure of its Southern Africa bureau and the elimination of nearly 4,000 jobs, while the agency anticipates a record 136 million forcibly displaced people globally by 2026.
- Interior ministers from France, Germany, and Italy convened in Rome to emphasize their commitment to address irregular migration and human trafficking through the full implementation of the EU’s Pact on Migration and Asylum, supporting the European Commission’s proposed regulation on returns.
Links of interest
Landslide kills more than 1,000 in Sudan’s Darfur region, armed group says
Plea for help after landslide wipes out Sudan village, killing 1,000
Research Brief: Conflict, Agriculture, and Women in Sudan
Khartoum hospitals overflow as fevers surge amid health crisis
News: Tigray Interim Admin opposes Orthodox Synod’s decision on new diocese in Southern Tigray
Governor Mamo Mihretu Signals End to Career in Public Service
GERD set to open for visitors soon, showcasing national achievement – PM Abiy Ahmed
MPs alarmed as South Sudanese Pounds allegedly circulate in Darfur
Pope Leo XIV appeals to international community to respond to crisis in Sudan
UN peacekeeping missions in South Sudan and Congo under threat over US funding cuts
Egypt, Sudan discuss Ethiopia’s Nile dam, affirm shared water security
Humanitarian Response Critically Underfunded as Refugee Numbers Surge in Gambella, Ethiopia
UN refugee agency plans to reduce spending by a fifth as cuts bite
Migrants: Italy, Germany, and France join forces to combat irregular migration.
‘Last NGO ship landing until national roundtable’ – Ravenna Mayor
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.