AGP Executive Report

Sudan Peace Signals: Eid al-Adha messages from Sudan’s SAF and RSF shifted away from war talk toward peace, stability, and the return of displaced people, following recent hints from Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan about openness to dialogue. Political Dialogue Push: El Burhan also announced plans for a broad Sudanese-Sudanese political dialogue inside the country, aiming at reconstruction and a civilian transition, while reactions quickly exposed deep divisions. Humanitarian Scale: Aid groups warn Sudan’s civil war remains the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, with over 33 million people needing help, including millions facing acute food insecurity and children suffering severe malnutrition. Regional Security Links: A US-French meeting focused on Sudan and Libya, tying cooperation to Berlin Conference outcomes and the Joint Declaration of Principles. Ebola Watch: Emirates issued updated Ebola travel guidance as US and Canada tightened entry screening for travellers linked to Uganda, while Congo sought an experimental monoclonal antibody for the Bundibugyo strain. Culture & Community: Khartoum-born singer Taha Suliman is using Eid performances in Dubai to bring Sudanese joy and unity amid ongoing war trauma.

Sudan War & Politics: Eid al-Adha speeches sharpened the split between Sudan’s rival leaders, with SAF chief Lt Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan calling for a broad “Sudanese-Sudanese” national dialogue while excluding forces “stained with blood,” as reactions show deep divisions ahead of June 3 talks backed by regional and international bodies. Humanitarian Crisis: A new report warns Sudan’s civil war has become the world’s largest humanitarian emergency, with 33 million people needing aid, including millions facing acute food insecurity and children suffering severe malnutrition. UAE/RSF Allegations: Human Rights Watch says Colombian mercenaries accused of atrocities in El Fasher were trained in UAE-linked bases and deployed with the RSF, adding pressure on claims of external involvement. Local Suffering Stories: Khartoum and Darfur survivors describe rape, displacement, and rebuilding from scratch after RSF/war violence. Sudan Civil Society: A coalition of independent democratic groups signed a charter, “Towards Building a New Nation,” calling for a civilian-led transition and a comprehensive political solution.

Ebola Emergency: The WHO has declared a public health emergency as a rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak spreads in eastern DR Congo and Uganda, with officials warning weak health systems, conflict, and delayed detection could let cases surge. Sudan War Humanitarian Pressure: The WFP says acute hunger is rising fast, warning that Middle East conflict and higher energy prices are pushing millions closer to famine—an added strain on already fragile regions, including Sudan. Ethiopia Poll Fallout: Ethiopia’s election authority has suspended voting in dozens of districts across Amhara and Tigray due to insecurity, underscoring how postwar tensions still disrupt governance. Rights Watch: Poland’s human rights commissioner says a “temporary” asylum ban on migrants crossing from Belarus has stayed in place for over a year and still restricts constitutional rights. Regional Diplomacy: As US-Iran talks continue, Trump is pressing Muslim-majority states to join the Abraham Accords—Pakistan publicly rejects the demand.

Ebola at the border: Uganda has temporarily closed its border with the DRC as Ebola spreads, allowing only authorized response teams, humanitarian workers, cargo and security to cross under strict screening, with anyone returning facing 21 days of self-isolation. Sudan war’s human cost: Survivors from al-Fashir describe brutal captivity and killings during the RSF assault, with Reuters reporting civilians fled a famine-stricken siege and arrived in Chad starving and injured. Environmental fallout in Sudan: In River Nile State, cyanide-tainted ponds linked to unregulated gold mining killed an entire sheep flock, renewing calls for tighter oversight of chemical pits near villages and grazing areas. Rights and accountability: Sudan-linked attention also surfaced through NHRC calls for investigations into alleged instigation and roles during the Gen Z movement, including named former officials and lawmakers. Regional politics: A fresh push tied to the Abraham Accords continues to stir backlash across Muslim-majority states, with Pakistan rejecting the idea of joining.

US-Iran Ceasefire Under Strain: Fresh U.S. strikes on southern Iran—targeting missile sites and mine-laying boats—have drawn Tehran’s fury, with Iran calling them “bad faith” and warning of consequences, while the U.S. says it acted defensively as talks continue in Qatar and Iran begins restoring internet after a long shutdown. Abraham Accords Pressure: Trump says the Iran deal must be tied to a “mandatory” expansion of the Abraham Accords, urging Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan and others to normalize with Israel—prompting Pakistan’s pushback and raising doubts about trust in the process. Sudan War Spillover: A new Human Rights Watch report alleges the UAE trained Colombian mercenaries for Sudan’s RSF, adding to claims of Gulf military support amid ongoing atrocities. Ebola Race: Oxford University is developing and trialling a vaccine for the latest DR Congo Ebola outbreak, aiming for a potential candidate within months as cases rise. UN Credibility Fight: Liberia calls for sweeping UN Security Council reform as the world order faces “dangerous erosion” of respect for international law.

US-Iran Tensions: Iran denounced fresh U.S. strikes in southern Iran as “bad faith,” while the U.S. called them defensive and said it acted with restraint during a fragile ceasefire; Iran also began restoring internet after a shutdown that started in January, and its Revolutionary Guard claimed it shot down drones and a fighter jet. Abraham Accords Pressure: Donald Trump escalated his push to expand the Abraham Accords by urging multiple Muslim states—including Pakistan—to join as part of any Iran deal; Pakistan’s defense minister rejected the idea as conflicting with “fundamental ideologies,” setting up a diplomatic standoff. Sudan War Fallout: UN reporting highlights continued attacks near the Sudan–Chad border and warns drone use is raising risks for civilians, as UN efforts continue toward de-escalation and civilian protection. Humanitarian System Strain: A new Lancet-linked report says the global aid system is “no longer fit for purpose,” with funding cuts and political pressure worsening crises from Sudan to Gaza. Ebola Research: Southwest Research Institute and Texas Biomed announced AI-driven testing of antiviral compounds targeting the Bundibugyo Ebola strain resurfacing in Congo. Local Life: In Spokane, a refugee-supported community garden is scaling up food delivery and language-accessible support.

US-Iran Tensions: The US military says it carried out “self-defense” strikes in southern Iran, hitting missile launch sites and boats allegedly laying mines, even as Trump claimed Iran talks in Doha are “proceeding nicely” and a fragile April 8 ceasefire remains in place. Abraham Accords Push: Trump is now demanding Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt and Jordan join the Abraham Accords—tying Israel normalization to any Iran deal—while warning “no deal” means a return to “bigger and stronger” fighting. Pakistan Pushback: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif rejected joining, calling it incompatible with “fundamental ideologies” and questioning Israel’s trustworthiness. Regional Spillover: In Lebanon, an Israeli strike on a village in the Bekaa Valley killed 12, as Israel ramps up pressure on Hezbollah. Sudan Accountability: Reuters reports a commander filmed killing civilians in al-Fashir was released and returned to active duty, despite denials. Eid Life in Qatar: Across Qatar, families are deep-cleaning, buying clothes, and preparing majlis gatherings ahead of Eid al-Adha.

Iran Talks, Strait of Hormuz: Trump says US-Iran negotiations are “proceeding nicely,” but Iran’s foreign ministry warns no deal is imminent and disputes claims about uranium promises. He also says the Strait of Hormuz and related pressure will stay until a settlement is signed. Abraham Accords Push: Trump’s new condition is bigger than the ceasefire—he demands Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt and Jordan (and even Iran, later) join the Abraham Accords “simultaneously,” calling it “mandatory,” after a leaked weekend call reportedly stunned Arab leaders into silence. Regional Reaction: Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif says little publicly after Trump named Pakistan’s army chief instead, while analysts doubt many will sign amid Gaza and Lebanon backlash. Sudan Human Rights: A Darfur victims group alleges a Darfur man arrested at Port Sudan in 2024 was tortured and convicted under anti-terror laws, highlighting how the war’s abuses keep spilling into courts. Iraq Food Pressure: Iraq’s wheat supply remains fragile—oil, water, and war risks are squeezing bread even as export routes and production wobble.

SSA Budget Vote: Zimbabwe’s State Security Agency leadership faced a fresh scrutiny moment as Acting DG Tony Msimanga and NICOC coordinator Dr Ntandazo Sifolo briefed MPs on the 2026/27 security budget, in a week dominated by warnings that threats now evolve faster than institutions can respond. Africa Day 2026: Across the continent, May 25 marked the 63rd anniversary of the OAU’s founding, with themes of unity and development—plus a blunt reminder that governance and water stress still block progress. Eid Livestock Pressure: In the Gulf, subsidised sheep demand surged ahead of Eid al-Adha, with prices and supply tightness reflecting wider regional strain. Phala Phala Fallout: Thabo Mbeki renewed the argument that Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala saga is a private matter, as legal manoeuvres around impeachment keep the political heat on. Somaliland–Jerusalem Row: A coalition of Arab and Muslim foreign ministers condemned Somaliland’s planned Jerusalem “embassy” as illegal, escalating a diplomatic fight that’s now drawing broader regional pushback. Ebola Alarm: WHO declared the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak a public health emergency, as new vaccine work races to catch up with a fast-moving threat.

Sudan War Economy: Eid Al-Adha prices are climbing fast in Kuwait’s livestock markets, with sheep up KD 10–50 and cattle prices reportedly doubling at Kabd—Jersey bulls jumping from KD 350 to KD 700—traders blame regional conflict, supply gaps, and higher demand. Sudan Conflict Accountability: Rights groups accuse RSF commanders of smuggling the family of defected commander “Savana” from Saudi Arabia to South Darfur via Ethiopia, after he resurfaced in Khartoum earlier this month. Somaliland Jerusalem Row: Foreign ministers from 18 countries condemned Somaliland’s planned Jerusalem embassy as “illegal and unacceptable,” backing Somalia’s unity and calling East Jerusalem occupied territory. Iran Deal Backlash: Inside the US GOP, senators Ted Cruz and Thom Tillis criticize reports of a US-Iran framework that could ease sanctions and reopen talks without immediate nuclear rollback. Ebola Emergency: WHO declared an Ebola public health emergency in the DRC as a rare Bundibugyo strain spreads; UK scientists are racing a new vaccine using COVID-jab technology. Media Spotlight: Alaraby Television Network won nine Telly Awards, including a Gold for “Gaza: Struck off Records.”

Sudan Ceasefire Push: A coalition of Sudanese civil and political forces has proposed a renewable three-month ceasefire, to be monitored by local, regional and international bodies, aiming to cut violence and rebuild trust between the SAF, RSF and rebel groups—talks are underway in Nairobi. Ebola Emergency: WHO has declared an Ebola public health emergency of international concern as a rare Bundibugyo strain spreads in central African cities, with no proven vaccine or targeted treatment for this strain yet. Drone-Warfare Shock: Reports say Sudan’s forces downed a Rafale using a Turkish Bayraktar Akıncı drone, raising fresh questions about how drones are reshaping air combat. Press Freedom Spotlight: UNESCO awarded the 2026 World Press Freedom Prize to the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate for documenting killings and media crackdowns amid a “zone of silence.” Power Disruption in Abuja: Nigeria’s AEDC announced a blackout hitting key federal sites including the Presidential Villa and Supreme Court, blaming a technical fault.

Sudan War: The Sudanese Armed Forces say they shot down a Bayraktar Akıncı drone that crossed from Ethiopia, firing an air-to-air missile over Al-Damazin—another sign of how drone warfare is tightening the battlefield. Nairobi Peace Talks: Sudan’s political and armed groups have begun talks in Nairobi, aiming to end the conflict and restore stability. Ebola Alarm: In Central Africa, health experts warn the Bundibugyo strain outbreak could spiral fast—there are no approved vaccines or treatments yet, and officials fear hidden spread. Abuja Blackouts: Nigeria’s capital is dealing with a major power outage hitting the Presidential Villa, Supreme Court and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, blamed on a technical fault. Vatican Redress Push: Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin asked Pope Leo XIV to urge religious orders to make “every effort” toward redress for historical abuse. Libya Meddling: Turkey is holding joint military exercises with Libya’s rival factions, signaling a push to expand influence across the Mediterranean.

Sudan’s War, Again in the Spotlight: Khartoum is still paying the price—thousands missing, families left with unmarked graves and no answers, even as the city tries a slow, fragile return after SAF’s push last year. UAE Accusations: UN investigators and survivors’ accounts say RSF atrocities—mass executions, starvation, sexual violence—were enabled by UAE support, including mercenaries tied to drone operations. Regional Firebreaks Failing: Even with ceasefires, Iraq is being pulled deeper into the US–Israel–Iran fight, with reports of secret bases and militia drone activity. Hormuz Tension: Iran claims it’s “securing” the Strait of Hormuz while talks with the US show only slight movement, keeping shipping and escalation risks high. Ebola Emergency: In the DRC and Uganda, WHO has declared a public health emergency as cases rise—no vaccine for this strain yet, so treatment centers and surveillance are the urgent focus. Qatar’s Mediation Push: Qatar’s foreign policy chief argues wars now spread far beyond borders and calls for stronger mediation and humanitarian access.

Ebola Emergency, No Quick Fix: The WHO says the Congo–Uganda Ebola outbreak is a public health emergency, but there’s still no vaccine or proven treatment for the suspected Bundibugyo strain—research and manufacturing are expected to take months, so the focus is on treatment centers and fast detection while conflict and funding cuts slow the response. Iraq Resistance vs State Security: Harakat Al-Nujaba rejects any plan to fold the Popular Mobilization Forces into Iraq’s formal security structure, calling disarmament an “American project” and warning independence is a “religious responsibility.” Gulf Tensions at UN: The UAE tells the UN Security Council that violations across Gaza, Sudan, Congo, Ukraine and beyond show a widening gap between legal promises and reality. Sudan War’s Human Cost: New reporting highlights rape survivors and children born from sexual violence during the conflict, underscoring how war crimes keep echoing long after battles move. Diplomacy in Motion: Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin meets Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican, with talks expected to cover ending wars in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan.

Sudan’s War’s Hidden Cost: A new AFP account puts a human face on conflict-era sexual violence, describing a Khartoum rape survivor whose child was born after three years of war—highlighting patterns of abuse repeatedly blamed on RSF fighters. Missing Persons Crisis: The same conflict continues to leave families in limbo, with thousands missing and many believed buried in unmarked graves after Khartoum’s retaking. Ebola Alarm in Congo: Health authorities are racing to find options for a Bundibugyo-linked Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC, where there are no proven vaccines or treatments for this strain yet. Aid Sector Under Strain: A separate report warns that cuts to humanitarian funding are worsening violence across aid-dependent regions, arguing the problem is political as much as financial. Diplomacy in Motion: Ireland’s prime minister meets the Pope, saying they’ll discuss peace efforts including Sudan. Global Flashpoints: The U.S. says it will send 5,000 more troops to Poland, while UK police seek witnesses in an inquiry involving ex-Prince Andrew.

Ebola in Congo: Health agencies are racing to find options for the fast-growing Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC, where there are still no approved vaccines or treatments—only experimental candidates and emergency-use discussions as suspected cases and deaths climb. Humanitarian squeeze: A new commission warns that US-led cuts to aid could drive a sustained rise in conflict across Africa’s most aid-dependent regions, arguing communities must have a real say in response. Sudan’s war churns on: RSF commander Hemedti has stripped a defected brigadier of rank and issued a death sentence in absentia, while drone strikes and market killings keep underscoring how civilians pay the price. Horn of Africa tensions: Ethiopia accuses Egypt of obstructing its Red Sea access after Cairo’s maritime deal with Eritrea, raising fears of renewed regional friction. Hormuz fallout: FAO warns the Strait of Hormuz disruption is the start of a systemic food-price shock, with the Global South most exposed. Refugee politics: The US is pushing to expand Afrikaner refugee resettlement while blocking others, deepening backlash over race and persecution claims.