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 September)
- The Presidential Council of the parallel government under the leadership of Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) convened its inaugural meeting in Nyala, South Darfur. The creation of the 15-member Presidential Council was announced in July with Hemedti assuming the role of a Chairman.
- Mohamed Hassan Osman al-Taishi was appointed as Prime Minister during the inaugural meeting.
- At least seven people were killed and 71 injured in the recent attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on El Fasher, confirmed medical staff members over the weekend.
- About 1050 households are estimated to have been displaced from El Fasher due to escalating violence from the RSF over the past weeks, reports the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
- A new national peace initiative called the “Sudanese Peace Call” has been launched by the Advocacy Group for Peace in Sudan, aiming at peace and reconciliation efforts emphasising inclusive citizenship and involving all Sudanese stakeholders in peace talks.
- Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged the United Nations Security Council to take immediate action to stop ongoing attacks and starvation of the civilian population in western Sudan.
- “Council members should expand the arms embargo and impose targeted actions against warring parties’ leadership, while setting a clear time frame for action”, said Laetitia Bader, HRW deputy Africa director.
- Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has resumed operations at Zalingei Hospital in central Darfur due to a significant rise in cholera cases, despite previous suspension following an armed attack on the facility.
- The Sudanese Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has ordered an emergency shutdown of oil facilities in the Heglig area following a drone attack attributed to the RSF. This disruption threatens exports of crude oil from South Sudan, which is heavily reliant on oil revenues.
Situation in South Sudan (per 1 September)
- Torrential rains and floods have caused vast displacement across South Sudan, with over 35,000 displaced in Mayendit County and 18,000 in Pigi County.
- Some families found shelter in schools or churches but many remain homeless without any assistance. The floods destroyed homes as well as livelihoods of local communities including maize farms.
- A new temporary base in the Tambura region will be established by the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to enhance its peacekeeping efforts and facilitate peace processes.
Situation in Ethiopia (per 1 September)
- Three unarmed civilians, aged 97, 86, and 39, were reportedly killed with knives and machetes in the Gimbichu district of Ethiopia’s Oromia region. It is unclear if the murders were politically motivated.
- Over 50,000 new refugees have moved to the Gambella region in Ethiopia since March 2025, report sources. Their primary entry point into the region is Burbiey Kebele in Wantawa district. The majority of new arrivals are hosted in Matar and Moun, where local resources are now severely depleted.
- 1,022 hectares of land has been reportedly provided in Luok Dong to establish a new camp hosting 50,000 refugees. Already 12,379 refugees have been relocated to Luok Dong.
- Only 16% of the 2025 Regional Refugee Response Plan for the Sudan Emergency in Ethiopia, which includes support for South Sudanese refugees, has been funded so far.
- 12.5% of refugee children are reportedly malnourished, according to a screening of over 2000 refugee children.
- Ethiopia is set to officially inaugurate the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on 9 September.
- The latest draft amendment to Ethiopia’s freedom of access to information laws imposes stricter requirements for media and citizens seeking public records, omitting the previously proposed “Information Commission” that would have empowered an independent body to enforce transparency.
Situation in Tigray (per 1 September)
- Thousands of youths in rural Tigray have been displaced, facing illegal migration due to a lack of prospects. Extensive human trafficking networks are exploiting these desperate situations, facilitating dangerous migration journeys, including to Saudi Arabia.
- A system known as “mejan” centred around Arabic-speaking brokers has become common, charging high fees, or in some cases letting one man travel for free if he brings three or four women.
- The Tigray Interim Regional Administration (TIRA) launched a region-wide dialogue initiative for Tigrayans to address the consequences of years of conflict, displacement, and economic downturn, while seeking pathways forward for healing and political resolution.
- The initiative has received mixed responses, with some criticising it as a move to consolidate their power and not as a genuine attempt for dialogue.
- Residents of Maichew town and nearby areas staged a peaceful demonstration against the recent leadership reshuffle in the South Zone of Tigray, following the appointment of Zenabu Gebremedhin as the Chief Administrator of the region by TIRA’s President General Tadesse Woreda.
Regional & International Situation (per 1 September)
- An Egyptian Armed Forces delegation arrived in Mogadishu, Somalia, yesterday for talks aiming at strengthening the military collaboration between two countries.
- The Blue Nile in Sudan is experiencing unprecedented low water levels, disrupting the typical flood season which experts attribute to the completion of GERD withholding significant amounts of water.
- While some Sudanese experts highlight potential benefits from the GERD dam, others express concerns over the impact on downstream populations and countries.
- Germany has allocated an additional $65 million to UNICEF and the World Food Programme to enhance community resilience of about 9.3 million South Sudanese people requiring humanitarian assistance.
Links of interest
Dagalo chairs first parallel government meeting in Nyala, appoints prime minister
At least seven killed, 71 wounded as Sudan’s RSF paramilitaries shell besieged city
DTM Sudan Flash Alert: Al Fasher (Abu Shouk camp), North Darfur (Update 095): 31 August 2025
Sudanese group launches peace initiative to end war
Sudan: UN Should Act to Protect Starving Civilians
Sudan orders oil shutdown; South Sudan exports at risk
UN Mission in South Sudan builds new base to protect civilians
Floods displace 18,000 people in Pigi County
Floods displace over 30,000 people in Mayendit County
Three Civilians Reportedly Killed In The Oromia Region Of Ethiopia
Ethiopia To Inaugurate Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam
Ombudsman Resurfaces with Restrictive Access to Information Law
Facebook: Dimtsi Weyane’s post
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.