AGP Executive Report

Sudan Frontlines: Fighting is intensifying across Sudan’s Blue Nile, Darfur and Kordofan as the SAF reports drone shootdowns and new gains, while UN officials warn civilians face worsening conditions. Human Rights Watch: A new UN Human Rights report says conflict-related sexual violence in Sudan has been used as a weapon of war, with the RSF and allied militias linked to most verified incidents. El Obeid Alarm: Senior UN officials warn the RSF could launch an imminent assault on El Obeid, with humanitarian teams pre-positioning supplies as needs remain massive. Khartoum Education Pressure: Sudanese teachers in Khartoum State begin a strike over unpaid salaries and collapsing purchasing power, threatening classroom stability. Freedom of Expression: Sudan faces mounting criticism after proposed cybercrime and electronic publishing rules and mandatory website registration raise fears of tighter control over online speech. Regional Impact: Chad reports an influx of drone victims from Sudan, underscoring how the war’s violence spills across borders.

Sexual Violence in Sudan: A new UN Human Rights report says conflict-related rape and sexual slavery have been used systematically as weapons of war across Sudan since April 2023, with 546 verified incidents affecting at least 838 victims. El Obeid Siege Fears: As RSF tightens its siege of the army-held city of Al Obeid in North Kordofan, residents report water shortages and soaring food prices, while international pressure grows over the risk of mass atrocities. Khartoum Teachers Strike: Teachers in Khartoum State begin a strike over unpaid salaries, warning that irregular wages and currency collapse are collapsing the education system. Blue Nile and Darfur Frontlines: SAF claims gains in Blue Nile while RSF reports further advances in North Darfur, underscoring fast-changing frontlines and displacement. Refugees in Egypt: Reports say Sudanese refugees face harsh crackdowns in Egyptian jails, with deportations increasing. Eastern Sudan Copper Tension: Opposition grows to a proposed long-term Chinese copper mining deal in Red Sea state, with groups calling for a halt until peace is reached.

Sudan War Update: Fighting is intensifying on multiple fronts, with SAF reporting drone shootdowns in North Darfur and new gains in Blue Nile after operations around Al-Bar, as humanitarian conditions worsen. El Obeid Atrocity Fears: The UN and seven European countries warn El Obeid is “weeks” from catastrophe, citing RSF reinforcements and calling for an immediate halt to violence and access for aid. Humanitarian Rights Alarm: A new UN human rights report says sexual violence is being used as a weapon of war across Sudan, with long-term harm expected for victims and communities. Regional Diplomacy: Oman and Sudan move to deepen cooperation in ports and logistics, including a new MoU on maritime and training links. Migration Pressure in Libya: Libya’s eastern authorities ban entry for Sudanese and three other nationalities, aiming to curb migrants heading to Europe, amid reports of detention abuses. UK-Africa Politics: A report on Keir Starmer’s exit says the promised Africa strategy never fully arrived, leaving a gap in Britain’s engagement.

Sudan War Crimes & Rights: A new UN report says conflict-related sexual violence is widespread and systematic across Sudan, with hundreds of verified incidents and warnings it may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. Frontline Updates: Fighting is intensifying on multiple fronts, including claims of SAF gains in Blue Nile and continued clashes in Darfur and Kordofan. Humanitarian Pressure: UN figures warn education is collapsing under conflict and climate shocks, with Sudan among the worst-hit countries and nearly 100 million children out of school globally. Displacement Trends: UNHCR reports global forced displacement fell for the first time in a decade, while returns rose sharply—Sudan is listed among top return-rate countries. Economy & Gold: Sudan’s war economy is being fueled by gold smuggling and illicit finance, with official exports only a small fraction of production. Regional Security: Egypt detained hundreds near the Sudan border in an illegal gold mining crackdown. Civil Society & Culture: Sudanese authorities warned a church in Khartoum it could demolish its building, while Sudan’s under-17 girls’ team returned to competition in Morocco amid upheaval. Sports & Youth: Sudan’s women’s U17 qualifiers in Morocco highlight how war disrupts training and participation. Diplomacy/Industry: Qatar Chamber joined UNIDO talks on private-sector market-based response for Syria, Palestine and Sudan, pushing for practical recovery partnerships.

El Obeid Atrocity Warning: The UN Security Council warned of an “imminent risk of mass atrocities” in El Obeid, North Kordofan, urging urgent steps and new sanctions as RSF and SAF fighting intensifies. Accountability Pressure: Human Rights Watch called for stronger international action to stop further atrocities in Sudan and demanded accountability for defecting RSF commanders now in the SAF. Darfur Defections Spark Anger: Reuters reports anger in Darfur after Sudan’s army welcomed RSF defectors, including a commander given rank in Khartoum—families fear alleged war crimes will go unpunished. Regional Diplomacy: Morocco and Egypt’s foreign ministers met in Amman, while Sudan’s situation was discussed alongside Libya and the Palestinian file, as Arab League talks resume. Qatar Humanitarian and Rights: Qatar reaffirmed rejection of violence against women and girls, including in conflict zones like Sudan, and highlighted major refugee support figures. Sudan Solidarity in Doha: Qatari groups donated 11 artworks to Sudan’s embassy and ran “Hoop4Hope 2.0,” a youth basketball drive raising support for Sudan.

Humanitarian Solidarity Through Sport: Doha’s “Hoop4Hope 2.0” brought 100+ youth together in 3x3 basketball to raise donations for Sudan, pairing games with awareness and community support. Cultural Support for Sudan Abroad: In Doha, the International Artists Group delivered 11 Sudan-themed paintings to Sudan’s embassy, framing art as a bridge across borders and a message of peace amid conflict and displacement. Sudan War Enters Fourth Year—Diplomacy Push: A senior Sudanese official says Khartoum is looking to Türkiye to keep the war on the international agenda and urges the world to treat the RSF as a terrorist organization. Regional Security Pressure on Gold Smuggling: Egypt detained 223 suspects (including 136 foreigners) in a crackdown near the Sudan border tied to illegal gold mining, seizing vehicles, devices, and weapons. Faith and Loss in Sudan’s Conflict: A priest, Fr. Yuhana Al-Amin, was killed in Kauda, South Kordofan, days after another priest died in violence linked to the civil war. Refugee Day Art in the Region: An Addis Ababa exhibition titled “Resilience and Inclusion” features refugee artists including Sudanese voices, marking World Refugee Day.

El-Obeid Under Threat: The UN Security Council warned of an “imminent risk of mass atrocities” as the RSF tightens its assault on El-Obeid, demanding an immediate halt and de-escalation to protect civilians. Humanitarian Pressure: Reports say RSF drone strikes and shelling have hit key infrastructure and supplies, with residents fleeing as electricity, fuel and water systems are damaged. Diplomacy & Refugees: Qatar marked World Refugee Day by reaffirming support for displaced people, including Sudanese refugees in Egypt, and highlighted coordination with UNHCR and partners. Sudanese Media Under Scrutiny: Award-winning journalist Mohammed Amin said a UK visa denial blocked him from attending a ceremony, calling it discriminatory “censorship.” Education Access: Sudanese-Born Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II urged wider access to quality education, warning against restricting learning opportunities. Global Rights Watch: A UNHRC push urged countries to repeal death penalties for apostasy and blasphemy, citing risks of torture and summary killings.

Sudan Crisis: The UN Security Council warned of an “imminent risk of mass atrocities” as the RSF presses its siege and assault around el-Obeid, urging the paramilitary to halt operations and de-escalate to protect civilians. Regional Diplomacy: In Cairo, Turkey’s foreign minister Hakan Fidan said technical issues in the US-Iran memorandum may be hard to resolve quickly and warned Israel could sabotage the process; he also met Egypt’s FM and Sudan’s Mohi El-Din Salim. Humanitarian Spotlight: Qatar was highlighted by a Sudanese academic and former Sudan foreign minister at HBKU’s World Refugee Day event, with Qatar described as a regional pillar in mediation and humanitarian support under a “Safety and Inclusion” theme. Sudan Frontlines: In Blue Nile, RSF commanders claimed they seized Surkum near Sali amid intensified clashes, while displacement and drone strikes continue to worsen the humanitarian situation. Sudan in the Spotlight Abroad: Egypt arrested hundreds of Sudanese accused of illegal gold prospecting in its southeast, with reports of large-scale detentions and deportations.

Sudan Crisis: The UN Security Council says there is an “imminent risk of mass atrocities” as the RSF presses its assault on El-Obeid, warning of drone strikes and urging an immediate halt to fighting and protection of civilians. Diplomacy Watch: A report says Saudi officials are quietly building a civilian political base around SAF chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, meeting figures from Abdallah Hamdok’s Somoud coalition to shape Sudan’s postwar transition. Humanitarian Focus: UNICEF’s Ireland head describes Sudan’s violence as worse than anything he has seen, calling sexual violence “systematic” and “beyond belief,” especially in Darfur. Security & Accountability: Yemen’s Houthis are accused of transferring low-cost Iranian drone and missile technology to Sudanese Islamist-linked armed groups via Red Sea smuggling routes. Sports (Sudan): Al Merreikh sign Ghanaian midfielder Enoch Morrison on a three-year deal after his standout season with Gor Mahia.

El Obeid Crisis: The UN Security Council warned of an “imminent risk of mass atrocities” as the RSF presses its assault on El Obeid, urging an immediate halt and de-escalation after fears of a repeat of El Fasher’s worst violence. UN Diplomacy: UN envoy Pekka Haavisto also urged RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Daglo to stop the offensive, saying aid teams are preparing for large-scale displacement. Drone Warfare: UN rights chief Volker Türk said drone attacks have killed more than 1,000 civilians between January and May, with drones driving most documented civilian deaths. Regional Links: New intelligence claims Yemen’s Houthis, via smuggling routes, have transferred low-cost Iranian drone and missile technology to Sudanese armed groups. Humanitarian Alarm: UN and EU officials echoed that El Obeid must not become “another El Fasher,” as strikes reportedly hit power and civilian infrastructure. Khartoum Focus: Egypt’s foreign minister met Sudan’s counterpart to discuss unity, a humanitarian truce, and access.

El-Obeid Under Threat: The UN envoy for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, urged RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Daglo to halt preparations for an imminent offensive on El-Obeid, warning of a repeat of atrocities seen in El-Fasher; the UN says aid teams are preparing for mass displacement. City Services Hit: Reports say drone strikes and shelling knocked out El-Obeid’s main power station and damaged fuel and civilian infrastructure, shutting down medical facilities including dialysis and emergency departments and worsening water access. Refugee Day Spotlight: As World Refugee Day is marked, UNHCR figures show 129.4 million people forcibly displaced or stateless worldwide, with funding down sharply in 2025—raising the question of why displacement keeps rising. Sudan Info War: Sudan’s petroleum ministry denied social media claims of Egypt-backed deals to develop 108 gold mines in northern Sudan, saying no official announcements were made. Arms Watch: A CBC investigation alleges Canadian-made precision sniper rifles are reaching Sudan via illicit markets, raising concerns about sanctions and export controls. Sports Controversy: Kenya’s Junior Starlets’ 16-0 win over Sudan was overturned by a CAF/Cecafa ruling, triggering FKF protests and reshaping the tournament standings.

Sudan Crisis—El-Obeid Under Threat: The UN warned that Sudan’s RSF could imminently lay siege to el-Obeid in North Kordofan, citing troop build-ups and intensified drone strikes and shelling that could trigger mass atrocities like those documented in el-Fasher. RSF Shelling Hits Civilians’ Lifelines: Sudan Doctors Network said RSF shelling knocked out medical facilities and water stations in el-Obeid, including dialysis and emergency departments, and hit electricity and fuel infrastructure—worsening conditions for more than a million residents and displaced people. War Crimes—Calls for Accountability: Sudanese survivors have asked the ICC to investigate alleged RSF atrocities, including claims involving external support networks tied to RSF operations. Humanitarian Push—Refugee Support on World Refugee Day: Qatar Charity launched “Every Refugee Tent Holds a Story,” targeting displaced families including Sudanese refugees with food, water, shelter, healthcare, education support, and resilience programs across multiple host countries. Global Spotlight—Sexual Violence in War: A new report highlights how conflict-driven sexual violence is surging across regions, with women and girls facing systematic abuse used to terrorize communities.

Sudan Hunger Crisis: UN agencies (FAO/WFP) warn Sudan is among the world’s most dangerous famine hotspots, with 19.5 million people (41%) facing acute food insecurity and 5 million already in Phase 4 emergency conditions, as the risk of famine threatens key regions through late 2026. El Obeid Warning: UN human rights chief Volker Türk says an imminent offensive near El Obeid could trigger serious international crimes, urging states with influence to stop escalation and protect civilians. War Crimes Push: Sudanese survivors have filed a war crimes complaint in Kenya against alleged RSF commanders, accusing them of torture, rape, sexual slavery, arbitrary detention and killings linked to abuses around Khartoum. EU Eyes Khartoum: The EU’s first heads-of-mission visit to Khartoum since 2023 signals a possible shift toward more direct, pragmatic engagement with Sudan’s changing realities. Children in War: A UN report says government forces are now responsible for most grave child violations in 2025, with Sudan among the worst offenders.

Sudan Accountability: Sudanese survivors have filed a war crimes complaint in Kenya against alleged RSF commanders, accusing them of detention, torture, rape and killings in and around Khartoum between April 2023 and March 2025, with the case formally received by Kenya’s DPP. EU Diplomacy: The EU’s first heads-of-mission visit to Khartoum since the war began signals a possible shift toward more direct engagement, as Brussels weighs how to respond to the new realities on the ground. RSF Political Rift: A senior figure linked to the RSF political project, Fares al-Nur, has resigned from posts, raising fresh questions about cohesion and the prospects for dialogue. Humanitarian Pressure: The IOM warns that cuts to development aid are pushing more people to flee, pointing directly to Sudan as the world’s largest displacement crisis. Justice at the ICC: A separate piece argues the ICC’s universal justice model struggles in a multipolar world, shaping how international accountability efforts play out for conflicts like Sudan.

Sudan Humanitarian Diplomacy: A high-level EU delegation of 14 diplomats visited Khartoum for the first time since the war began, meeting senior Sudanese leaders and focusing on aid delivery and the worsening humanitarian crisis—sparking debate over whether Brussels is softening its stance. War’s Civilian Toll: UN rights reporting says drone strikes have killed over 1,000 civilians in Sudan in the first five months of 2026, as the conflict enters its fourth year. Sexual Violence in Focus: A new investigation highlights how conflict-related sexual violence leaves survivors facing long-term trauma, stigma, and near-total gaps in health and mental health support. Aid Accountability: Doctors Without Borders dismissed 18 staff in eastern Chad after an investigation found harassment, abuse, and sexual exploitation of Sudanese refugees, including allegations involving minors. Press Under Threat: The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate urged UNHCR to strengthen protection for Sudanese journalists in Libya, including swift resettlement for those facing imminent danger. Khartoum Displacement: Reports also point to Khartoum demolitions driving more homelessness, described as a state-backed eviction push.

Sudan Accountability: Sudanese survivors have asked the ICC to investigate alleged Emirati backing of RSF atrocities in El Fasher, naming senior UAE officials and business figures and urging scrutiny of the RSF support chain. War’s Human Cost: A UN rights chief says drone strikes in Sudan killed over 1,000 civilians in the first five months of 2026, as experts warn of worsening civilian protection amid detention, torture and disappearances. Khartoum Diplomacy: EU ambassadors visited Khartoum for the first time since the conflict outbreak, signaling renewed engagement as regional mediation efforts continue. Regional Spotlight: Qatar’s role in Sudan’s war is examined through the rise of Lt Gen Yasser al-Atta, Doha’s key military partner. Children at Risk: Sudanese women and underage girls are among those affected by abuse allegations tied to MSF staff in eastern Chad, while Sudan’s broader displacement pressures remain severe. Sports & Resilience: Sudan’s women’s U-17 team made a historic return to international soccer, taking the field despite war and prejudice. Media Under Pressure: Sudanese journalist Mohammed Amin won a major award after being refused a UK visa, calling for independent media in the Global South to unite.