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 28 August)
- The Sudanese cabinet convened in Khartoum for the first time since the conflict started in April 2023.
- The meeting, led by Sudan’s transitional Prime Minister Kamal Idris, focused on various ministry plans for this year, including a campaign to rebuild the capital, plans to restore essential services and infrastructure by October, and the return of displaced individuals.
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres spoke in a phone call with Kamil Idris to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in El Fasher and the need for civilian protection and aid access.
- Recent assaults by Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the Darfur region have resulted in at least 89 civilian deaths over a ten-day period between 11 and 20 August, according to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, with the number of casualties likely being even higher.
- El Fasher in North Darfur has exposed thousands of children to dire conditions as the siege by the RSF marks 500 days. UNICEF reports severe malnutrition, disease, and violence leading to daily fatalities, with over 1,000 known casualties among the child population.
- Heavy rains in northern, central, and eastern Sudan have resulted in at least 10 fatalities and numerous injuries due to widespread flooding, with significant damage reported in several localities. Authorities and humanitarian organisations are responding to the crisis, as thousands have been displaced.
Situation in Tigray (per 28 August)
- A new report by the Commission of Inquiry on Tigray Genocide highlights severe insecurity and ongoing violence, including killings and disappearances, faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Tigray.
- The study, which engaged over 5,000 respondents across 92 IDP locations, documented significant human rights violations, including 1,748 deaths and numerous cases of enforced disappearances and physical injuries, underscoring the critical vulnerability of the IDP communities.
- Zenabu Gebremedhin has officially taken on the role of Chief Administrator for the South Tigray zone, following his appointment by the President of the Tigray Interim Regional Administration, Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede.
- Gebremedhin’s appointment comes amid recent administrative reshuffles that have faced backlash from regional political parties and former officials, who argue that the changes undermine inclusive governance and reflect a centralization of power.
Situation in Ethiopia (per 28 August)
- Several sources report that Gojjam Zone FANO group, with its lead commander Zemene Kassa, and Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), represented by commander Kumsa Deriba, agreed on ending fighting between OLA and FANO.
- Some sources say the agreement was brokered by diaspora groups which had aimed for a broader agreement. Zemene and Kumsa are said to have refused any further common agenda but agreed to “freeze” issues between FANO and OLA.
- It is unclear whether other FANO groups will join the agreement. In the last weeks, there have been fierce internal divisions including some armed confrontations among FANO units.
- The Amhara Regional State Peace Council has confirmed the death of Melakmihret Nekatibeb Genet, a senior member who was kidnapped and killed by an armed group after weeks in detention, raising concerns about the safety of peace mediators and humanitarian workers in the region.
International and Regional Situation (per 28 August)
- Recent arrests in Quatit, Eritrea, have raised concerns about the safety of residents, with dozens detained, including the father of Shishay Tesfalem, a media figure known for his critical commentary on the Eritrean government.
- Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud and four opposition leaders have reached an agreement on the electoral framework for the upcoming elections, following the adoption of a new law that introduces universal suffrage for the 2026 elections.
- This has sparked disagreement among opposition members who prefer the existing clan-based electoral system.
- South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has removed Finance Minister Dr. Marial Dongrin Ater from his position just a year after his appointment, naming Athian Diing Athian, who held the role of a finance minister in the past, as Ater’s successor.
- This marks the seventh change in the South Sudan’s finance ministry since 2020, raising concerns among analysts about the impact of frequent leadership shifts on the country’s economic stability and efforts to address ongoing financial challenges.
Refugee and Migration Situation (per 28 August)
- Over 128,000 Sudanese people have returned from South Sudan due to escalating violence since April, exacerbating the humanitarian situation in border regions, according to the UNHCR. It is estimated that around 69,000 South Sudan refugees arrived in Sudan alongside Sudanese returnees.
- The majority of returnees have settled in the Blue Nile State, which is struggling to accommodate the influx and lacks all essential services.
- A Libyan coast guard vessel opened fire on the NGO rescue ship Ocean Viking in the Mediterranean Sea, causing significant damage on the vessel but leaving the crew and rescued individuals unharmed.
- The incident occurred shortly after dozens of people were rescued, including unaccompanied minors.
- The Rome Court of Appeal has upheld a ruling against the Italian Ministry of Defense and the Prime Minister’s Office for their role in returning Eritrean nationals to Libya in 2009 without allowing them to seek asylum, which exposed them to potential violence and detention.
- The court emphasized that Italy’s constitutional right to asylum and the principle of non-refoulement cannot be overridden by political agreements.
- Nearly 15,000 migrants and refugees were intercepted at sea by the Libyan authorities and returned to Libya, since January this year. Almost 500 of these, including 29 women and 15 minors, were returned in the week of 10-16 August, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Links of interest
Sudanese cabinet holds 1st meeting in Khartoum since outbreak of war in 2023
UN Secretary-General calls Sudan PM Idris – Cabinet meets in Khartoum
RSF attacks kill 89 people in 10 days in Sudan’s Darfur, UN says
Floods and torrential rains kill at least 10 in northern and central Sudan
The Plight of Internally Displaced Persons in Tigray: A Special Assessment Report
New South Tigray Zone administrator takes office amid pushbacks
Amhara Peace Council Confirms Killing of North Gojjam Leader
Crackdown in Quatit: Arrests and Isolation Deepen Tensions in Southern Eritrea
Somalia’s president and opposition leaders reach historic election agreement
Kiir replaces finance minister amid cash shortages
Sudan grapples with influx of over 128,000 returnees from South Sudan
Italian court condemns Rome for forcibly deporting Eritreans to Libya in 2009
Libyan coast guard opens fire on NGO rescue ship in international waters
Libya: Nearly 15,000 migrants intercepted and returned since start of the year
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.