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 2 October)
- Shelling in El Fasher, North Darfur, on Wednesday, resulted in at least 16 civilian deaths and 21 civilian injuries, with the Sudanese Doctors Network accusing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of a “massacre” by carrying out this deliberate attack.
- Sudan has issued a flood alert due to rising Nile water levels, which have remained high for several consecutive days endangering multiple states across Sudan, including Blue Nile, Sinnar, Gezira, Khartoum, River Nile, and White Nile.
- The Ministry of Irrigation attributes the rising water levels to multiple factors, including the release of excess water from the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, climate change, increased rainfall as well as an inadequate infrastructure that has deteriorated amid ongoing conflict.
- The UN Security Council (UN SC) held closed consultations regarding the escalating violence in Sudan, particularly in El Fasher, following a request from several member states for updates on the humanitarian and political situations.
- The UN SC member states were expected to receive briefings from key UN officials, including Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, and Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Joyce Msuya.
- Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs) in Sudan have been awarded the 2025 Right Livelihood Award for their grassroots aid network that supports local communities amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
- With over 735 ERRs and nearly 10,000 volunteers, the organization provides essential services such as healthcare, food, and education.
Situation in South Sudan (per 2 October)
- A passenger boat traveling from Bor, Jonglei state, to Panyijiar County, Unity state, in South Sudan was attacked by gunmen, resulting in one confirmed death and 51 individuals reported missing including 3 young girls.
- Local officials have condemned the incident, which is the second attack in two weeks in the area.
- A special court in Juba continued a hearing regarding suspended First Vice President Riek Machar and seven other opposition figures. Statements from four of the accused were presented by the lead investigator in a closed hearing on Wednesday.
Situation in Ethiopia (per 2 October)
- The collapse of Arerti Mariam church in North Shewa Zone, Amhara region caused at least 30 deaths and injured more than 200 others yesterday. The church collapsed during an Orthodox Christian celebration, with many worshipers being stuck under the debris.
- The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has announced a “zero tolerance” policy towards media outlets that are inciting division and promoting the agenda of its adversaries, said Fetlewerk Gebregziabher, head of the TPLF Office last week.
- Media leaders argue that this stance threatens press freedom and complicates independent reporting, as it fosters an environment of fear and censorship.
- Fano forces claimed a significant military victory in West Wollo, stating to have killed over 75 government military members, including key commanders, during a four-day operation in the Mekane Selam area.
- A drone strike on the Sanka health post in North Wollo Zone, Ethiopia, on 27 September, resulted in the deaths of four civilians, including a pregnant woman, and left over ten others injured. A healthcare worker confirmed that the attack hit the ward used for patient admissions.
Regional & International Situation (per 2 October)
- A funding gap of about $180 million is endangering continuation of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and could lead to further destabilisation in the country.
- Egyptian Defence Minister, Abdul Majeed Saqr, and his Somali counterpart, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi met in Cairo over the weekend discussing ways to strengthen military cooperation and support security efforts across Africa.
- Defence minister Saqr reaffirmed that the Egyptian army will soon be deployed to Somalia to participate in the AUSSOM’s mission.
- Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris announced plans to review the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam with Ethiopia and Egypt to “avoid future disasters”.
- During a press conference in Port Sudan, Idris further announced that the Sudan’s government proposed partnership projects to Saudi Arabia focused on Red Sea resources worth $100 billion.
Refugee and Migration Situation (per 2 October)
- The European Council and European Parliament have reached a provisional agreement to enhance Europol’s mandate in combating human trafficking and smuggling of migrants and refugees, putting emphasis on improved information sharing among member states.
- A new European center dedicated to these issues will be established within Europol, supported by additional funding and personnel, to provide strategic and operational assistance to member states.
- One person drowned and three others were rescued after their dinghy vessel capsized while being followed by the Libyan coast guard in the Mediterranean Sea, reports German NGO Sea-Watch.
- The European Parliament’s Budgetary Control Committee has expressed strong disapproval of the EU asylum agency’s management of conflicts of interest, following allegations of favoritism and mismanagement highlighted in a confidential report.
- The EU Parliament has frozen the approval of the agency’s accounts and initiated an investigation.
Links of interest
Shelling kills 16 civilians in Sudan’s El Fasher, doctors’ group says
Sudan: Authorities warn of flood risk in provinces near the Nile
Nile floods surround seven areas in Sudan’s capital
51 passengers missing after boat attack in Yirol East: official
Accused claim kidnap, torture in Machar trial
At least 30 die after Ethiopia church scaffolding falls
Fano Forces Claim Another Military Gain In Wollo
AU mission in Somalia on brink of collapse over $180 million funding gap
Egypt and Somalia Boost Military Ties Amid Rising Horn of Africa Tension
Somalia ratifies African charter on rights, welfare of children
Sudan to review GERD deal, proposes $100 billion partnership with Saudi Arabia
Libyan coast guard chase in the Mediterranean leaves 1 migrant dead, says NGO
EU advocates for stronger role for Europol to tackle migrant smuggling
European Parliament scolds EU asylum agency over reports of mismanagement
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.