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 13 January)
- The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) regained control over the city of Wad Madani, the capital of Al Jazirah state. Following a four-month offensive, SAF took control of the city on Saturday as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) withdrew without a fight.
- SAF also gained control over Tambul town in eastern Al Jazirah state on Sunday.
- RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) blamed the defeat largely on the impact of Iranian and other drones against the RSF. He also accused SAF of deploying fighters from Ethiopia’s Tigray region and the Eritrean Islamic Liberation Front, stating that he had engaged these forces near Wad Madani.
- At least 16 people were killed and 42 injured as RSF shelled the Zamzam camp for displaced people near El Fasher, North Darfur. The El Fasher Coordination of Resistance Committees accuses RSF of deliberately shelling the camp.
- An ambulance was shot at by an unknown gunman in El Fasher, North Darfur, on 10 January, leading to the death of a passenger. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) condemns the attack, stating that the ambulance was clearly marked and was transporting a woman in labour, her caretakers, and staff.
- MSF has suspended activities at the Bashair hospital in Khartoum, following a violent incident on 18 December 2024 where weapons were fired in the emergency room. Due to ongoing violent attacks on the hospital, MSF is not able to safeguard the staff and patients.
- SAF advanced in Khartoum on Sunday following heavy fighting. SAF states it gained control over a strategic residential complex (Al Rawad) in its push towards central Khartoum.
- Between 1,000 and 3,000 households were displaced from Um Rawaba town in North Kordofan between 8 and 12 January 2025 due to continued clashes in the area.
- A series of drone attacks, allegedly by the RSF, targeted the Merowe dam in northern Sudan and disrupted the power supply across several cities and states, including Port Sudan.
Situation in South Sudan (per 13 January)
- South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir removed his long time ally Tut Gatluak Manimeh from his post as presidential security advisor and assigned him as presidential envoy to the Middle East.
- Gen. Thoi Chany Raet, the Deputy Chief of Defense Forces for Administration and Finance of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), was appointed as new security advisor.
- Hotels in South Sudan have taken the South Sudanese government to the East African Court of Justice over an alleged $61 million in unpaid bills for services to government officials.
Situation in Ethiopia (per 13 January)
- A third of the Tigray region is still inaccessible due to occupation by Eritrean and Amhara armed forces, states Bishop of the Catholic eparchy (diocese) of Adigrat, Tesfaselassie Medhin. He adds that thousands of displaced people still cannot return home.
- The Bishop calls for a process of accountability and justice for the crimes committed in Tigray.
- Tigray Regional State Administration Deputy President General Tsadkan denies accusations made by Debretsion that the interim administration has requested the deployment of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) in Tigray.
- Tsadkan stated that 52 districts of Tigray are under the control of the Eritrean army. This includes 60% of the Irob district.
- Ethiopia launched a stock exchange on Friday, which is the first in 50 years. The Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) listed one company, Wegagen Bank, but it is expected to increase to 90 companies over the next 10 years.
Situation in Eritrea (per 13 January)
- Azerbaijan has lodged an official complaint to Eritrea over the detention of three ships carrying the Azerbaijan flag and a total of 18 crew members. The ships have been detained since November 2024.
- The vessels entered Eritrean waters due to worsening weather conditions while en route to Abu Dhabi via the Suez Canal. They contacted the Eritrean authorities, but reportedly did not communicate all the necessary information.
- The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Eritrea called for input for his report on the situation of human rights in Eritrea to the 59th session of the Human Rights Council. It concerns the period spanning from April 2024 until April 2025.
Regional Situation (per 13 January)
- Ethiopia and Somalia decided to renew their diplomatic ties through full diplomatic representations in the respective capitals. This happened after a visit to Addis Ababa by Somali President Hassan Sheik Mohamud.
- Following the normalisation, the Somali government is now working to include Ethiopia in the troop quota for the African Union’s new mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
- The foreign ministers of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia met in Cairo, Egypt, on Saturday to discuss regional security and cooperation. The foreign minister of Eritrea also met bilaterally with the foreign minister of Egypt to discuss economic cooperation.
International Situation (per 13 January)
- The annual Eritrean festival in Melbourne, Australia, set for 10 January was cancelled after Eritrean diaspora members warned authorities about political motivations and foreign interference by the Eritrean government behind the event.
Links of interest
Sudan army recaptures Wad Madani city
Sudan’s RSF leader admits defeat in Al Jazirah state, vows to fight on
48 hours after liberating Wad Madani, Sudan army regains control of Tambul
16 killed in attack by paramilitary forces on shelter in Sudan
MSF condemns a despicable attack on its ambulance in El Fasher, killing one passenger
MSF denounces violent attacks leading to suspension of activities at key Khartoum hospital
Sudanese army advances in Khartoum, captures strategic residential complex
Drone attack on Merowe dam power station disrupts electricity supply
Kiir dismisses long-time ally Tut Gatluak as security advisor
Hotels Take South Sudan to Court Over $61 Million Unpaid Bills
መከላከያ ሠራዊት በትግራይ ክልል እንዲሰማራ ጠይቋል መባሉን ጊዜያዊ አስተዳደሩ አስተባበለ
Ethiopia launches stock exchange in fresh step to liberalise economy
Azerbaijan protests to Eritrea over detention of three vessels and crews
Call for inputs on the situation of human rights in Eritrea
Ethiopia and Somalia restore diplomatic ties
Somalia seeks Ethiopia’s inclusion in AUSSOM troop quota after diplomatic breakthrough
Egypt, Eritrea, Somalia meet to discuss regional security
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.