Situation in Sudan (per 17 June)
- A top commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Ali Yagoub, was killed in El Fasher on Thursday last week. Yagoub was reportedly killed after he led an assault on El Fasher from the south.
- Yagoub previously commanded the RSF attack on Zalengei in Central Darfur.
- According to a statement by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), RSF sustained heavy losses in the failed assault on El Fasher.
- SAF rejects resumption of peace negotiations with RSF, Yasir al-Atta, Sudanese Army’s Assistant Commander-in-Chief, reiterated.
- Thousands of people continue to flee the city, arriving at the Zamzam camp, where there is an acute malnutrition crisis, states Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). The only hospital currently functional in El Fasher is the Saudi hospital.
- RSF is using the Central African Republic (CAR) as a supply chain, and is recruiting from armed groups in CAR, state UN experts in a report to the UN Security Council.
- RSF is using the Am Dafok area in CAR as a logistics hub, the UN experts state.
- CAR is heavily impacted by spillover effects of the Sudan conflict, including a large influx of refugees.
- Amnesty International has launched a petition to demand that the UN Security Council extends the arms embargo to the entirety of Sudan. It currently only applies in Darfur.
- Both SAF and RSF have already violated the arms embargo by importing drones from Iran and United Arab Emirates respectively, states the BBC.
- The US announced $315 million in new humanitarian assistance for Sudan. However, USAID head Samantha Power warns that hardly any aid is reaching the isolated populations most in need.
- RSF is looting and destroying humanitarian aid, food and livestock of civilian populations, while the SAF are needlessly denying access of humanitarian aid at the Adré border crossing between Chad and Sudan.
- There have been mortality projections “estimating that in excess of 2.5 million people – about 15 percent of the population – in Darfur and Kordofan, the hardest-hit regions, could die by the end of September,” stated US ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
Situation in Ethiopia (per 17 June)
- Over 70 people have been arrested in the last days over accusations of spreading false information on social media and other ways, sources state.
- The Ethiopian federal government has tabled legislation that will allow it to intercept communications without court orders for certain types of crimes.
- State Minister for Industry Tarekegn Bululta reiterated that Ethiopia will be the first country to recognise Somaliland, in a message on X that has since been deleted.
Situation in Eritrea (per 17 June)
- Eritrea welcomes the presence of the Russian navy in the Red Sea, states the Russian Ambassador to Eritrea in Russian media.
- Eritrea advocates for reducing the West’s presence in the Red Sea, and wants to further develop its relations with China, Russia, India and Saudi Arabia, according to the Ambassador.
Situation in South Sudan (per 17 June)
- 24 students in Juba have been admitted to health clinics after they were assaulted by police during protests, states the Students’ Union of the University of Juba. At least three students were critically injured.
- The students, all women, were protesting against an increase in hostel prices. 73 students were arrested.
- South Sudan opposition groups are pushing for the adoption of a new constitution, in the peace negotiations currently taking place in Nairobi, Kenya.
Regional Situation (per 17 June)
- Most areas of the greater Horn of Africa are expected to experience above-average rainfall from June to September 2024, states the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC). This could lead to flooding.
- Some areas in northern Somalia, western Ethiopia, and northwestern South Sudan may face drier-than-usual conditions.
International Situation (per 17 June)
- Over 30 organisations, experts and politicians have signed a letter protesting a motion by the Swiss political party PLR to deport Eritrean refugees who failed to get asylum to third countries. The motion was approved last week by the Swiss parliament.
- The signatories of the letter point out that the motion cannot be applied in practice, because a transition agreement with a third country would require an existing agreement between Switzerland and Eritrea, which is not in place.
- Eritreans who flee from Eritrea’s indefinite national service risk torture, imprisonment and conscription upon being returned.
- The UN Security Council adopted a resolution calling a halt to the siege of El Fasher by the RSF. The resolution aims to secure a localised ceasefire around the city.
- The resolution also demanded that all parties in the conflict protect civilians, and requested safe passage for humanitarian aid.
- Concrete measures are necessary to halt human rights abuses in Ethiopia, which continue to threaten peace and reconciliation, states UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.
- At least 1,351 civilians were killed in Ethiopia in 2023, states a report by the UN Human Rights Council. The UN remains concerned about reports of violations by the Eritrean Defence Forces.
Links of interest
Top RSF commander Ali Yagoub killed in El Fasher
Sudan’s army repels major assault on el-Fasher; kills RSF commander
One by one, hospitals are damaged and closed in El Fasher as fighting rages
Sudanese army rejects talks with RSF, vows to fight on for “true peace”
UN experts say Sudan paramilitaries are recruiting in Central African Republic
Demand an arms embargo in Sudan
UN arms embargo violated in Sudan, investigation finds
‘We need the world to wake up’: Sudan facing world’s deadliest famine in 40 years
US to send more food aid to Sudan, warning of a risk of historic famine
Посол РФ заявил, что Эритрея выступает за активное присутствие России в Африке
24 admitted after Juba varsity protests
South Sudan opposition groups push for new constitution
“No to the deportation of rejected Eritreans to third countries”
Ethiopia: UN Human Rights Chief calls for sustained efforts to halt violations and abuses
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.
Martin Plaut 