It is a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF), whose commanders were close allies in the post-Omar al-Bashir transitional government. Despite being the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with widespread severe hunger and malnutrition, the Sudan war is receiving far less global attention than it needs. Not only has this worsened access to humanitarian support, but it has also fuelled the conflict’s persistence by failing to spark urgency.

The shift in global attention has contributed to prolonged suffering in a country with over 21 million people experiencing acute hunger and growing rates of malnutrition. “WFP has been forced to reduce rations to the absolute minimum for survival. By the end of March, we will have depleted our food stocks in Sudan. Without immediate additional funding, millions of people will be left without vital food assistance within weeks,” notes Ross Smith, World Food Programme (WFP)’s Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response.

The dwindling interest by the international community can be attributed to competing global priorities such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the US-Israel war against Iran which have diverted attention and resources from the Sudan civil war.

The precarious working conditions in cities like Darfur and El Fasher where civilian massacres have been reported, render reporting on the conflict dangerous, with scores of journalists allegedly imprisoned, others injured or killed in the line of duty .

Disproportionate media coverage is especially concerning, as it distorts public perception, facilitates the spread of false information and undermines the need to hold warring parties accountable, amid reports of potential war crimes committed by the RSF in western Sudan.

Sudan’s neighbours have had to contend with the crisis. For instance in February, numerous armed incidents were reported near the Sudan-Chad border, including a drone attack that left more than 20 people injured near Adré. 

According to a report by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), another drone killed two parents and injured their infant between Abgamra, North Darfur and Tiné town within Chad’s Wadi Fira region. The country has also experienced an increased refugee influx, recording approximately 913, 537 new arrivals between April 2023 and February 2026. This has exacerbated its dire humanitarian situation amidst aid cuts.

The limited international attention to this crisis is a litmus test for African institutions like Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU). It weighs their ability to rise to the occasion and resolve conflicts peacefully, considering the regressive economic and social impact of insecurity on the continent’s efforts to further integrate and achieve collective prosperity.

The crisis equally highlights the need to bolster press freedom in times of conflict, particularly to counter the disproportionate global attention on Sudan’s conflict.

“This disparity reflects more than geographic proximity—it reveals an implicit hierarchy of crises, where some conflicts are seen as more urgent and deserving of intervention than others. If Rwanda taught us anything, it is that history tends to repeat itself in new forms,” analysts caution.

The opinions and thoughts expressed in this article reflect only the author's views.

Singapore will provide grants totalling Special Drawing Rights (SDR) 25.48 million, equivalent to about $34.7 million, to two IMF facilities focused on poverty reduction and debt relief.

The largest share — SDR 21 million, or about US$28.6 million — will go to the IMF’s Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT), which offers concessional loans to low-income countries facing fiscal stress and balance-of-payments problems.

A further SDR 4.48 million, equivalent to around $6.1 million, will be directed to the Trust for Special Poverty Reduction and Growth Operations for the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (PRG-HIPC Trust) to support the IMF’s debt relief efforts for Sudan.

MAS said Singapore’s contribution to the PRGT will be drawn from its Official Foreign Reserves, while the Sudan-related grant will come from Singapore’s existing resources held in IMF accounts and will not affect reserve levels.

The move follows a 2021 IMF allocation of SDR 650 billion to boost global liquidity during the pandemic. Singapore received SDR 3.73 billion from that allocation, despite not requiring the additional reserves, and is now redirecting part of its share to countries in greater need.

MAS said the contributions reflect Singapore’s interest, as a small and highly open economy , in supporting global financial stability and collective action through the IMF. The amounts are aligned with Singapore’s quota share at the Fund.

Beyond grants, Singapore will also channel SDR 746 million — about US$1.01 billion — to the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Trust in the form of a loan, supporting longer-term financing for vulnerable countries facing challenges such as climate change and pandemic preparedness.

MAS said the combined measures underscore Singapore’s support for multilateral efforts to stabilise fragile economies, at a time when debt pressures and external shocks continue to weigh heavily on the world’s poorest countries.

Speaking to a Turkish media delegation, Abdel Mutaal said some of the foreign fighters have already been sentenced to death, while others are facing ongoing trials. She added that Sudanese authorities have documented cases in which weapons were allowed to pass through neighbouring countries to reach rebel forces.

The prosecutor also claimed her office had obtained physical evidence linking the United Arab Emirates to support for the RSF, an allegation the UAE has previously denied.

Sudan’s authorities say the use of foreign fighters has worsened the conflict and contributed to widespread abuses against civilians. Abdel Mutaal accused the RSF of committing systematic sexual violence, including against minors, and of recruiting children into the fighting.

She said 135 children who had been recruited into the conflict were recently handed back to their families with the help of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The prosecutor detailed alleged atrocities in several regions, including attacks against the Masalit community in El Geneina and assaults in Kadugli and Dilling that killed more than 100 people , mostly women and children. She also cited the shelling of a kindergarten during a graduation ceremony as part of the investigation.

Since the war began, Sudan’s National Committee for Investigating Crimes has recorded more than 188,000 criminal cases, some of which have been referred to special courts. Earlier this month, Sudan’s Anti-Terrorism Court in Port Sudan began trials against 201 defendants, including senior RSF figures and political leaders, on charges ranging from inciting war to undermining the constitutional system.

Sudan’s humanitarian emergency has worsened significantly as insecurity across Kordofan triggers large-scale civilian displacement. According to the briefing, escalating violence has forced families to flee their homes in search of safety, placing immense strain on already overstretched local communities and aid networks. Kordofan, long a flashpoint in Sudan’s conflicts, has seen renewed fighting disrupt livelihoods, agriculture, and access to basic services. The displacement adds to Sudan’s broader crisis, with millions already internally displaced since the outbreak of war, raising alarm among humanitarian agencies over shelter shortages, food insecurity, and the risk of disease outbreaks.

Disinformation becomes a strategic weapon in the conflict

The briefing highlights the growing use of disinformation as a deliberate tool of war in Sudan. Competing narratives, fabricated reports, and manipulated media are being deployed to confuse civilians, undermine trust, and shape both domestic and international perceptions of the conflict. Analysts warn that this information warfare complicates humanitarian access and peace efforts, as false claims can inflame tensions, justify attacks, or obscure responsibility for abuses. The spread of disinformation also poses risks beyond Sudan’s borders, influencing diplomatic engagement and international responses to the crisis.

SAF air raids intensify civilian suffering

Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) air raids have intensified , contributing to rising civilian casualties and widespread destruction. The briefing notes that aerial bombardments are deepening the humanitarian toll, with markets, residential areas, and vital infrastructure increasingly at risk. Such attacks exacerbate displacement and fuel accusations of violations of international humanitarian law. Human rights groups have repeatedly warned that the use of air power in densely populated areas is accelerating civilian harm and undermining prospects for de-escalation.

RSF claims territorial gains as fighting escalates

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have claimed new territorial gains amid the escalating conflict, signalling shifting dynamics on the battlefield. These claims suggest ongoing offensives and counteroffensives that are reshaping control across contested regions. While independent verification remains difficult due to access constraints and information warfare, the reported advances underline the fluid and volatile nature of the conflict, with civilians often caught between rival forces and changing frontlines.

International pressure mounts for a humanitarian truce

Amid the intensifying violence, international efforts to secure a humanitarian truce in Sudan are gaining momentum. The briefing points to renewed diplomatic engagement aimed at pausing hostilities to allow aid delivery and civilian protection. Regional actors and global partners are pressing both SAF and RSF to agree to temporary ceasefires, warning that failure to do so risks further catastrophe. These initiatives reflect growing global concern that Sudan’s war, if left unchecked, could destabilise the wider region and deepen one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises

County officials said the fighting, which lasted just over an hour, left soldiers and civilians dead, flattened parts of the town’s commercial centre and forced residents to flee. 

Yuai, already repeatedly damaged during past rounds of conflict, has since been largely abandoned and local administration suspended.

Thousands of civilians have escaped into surrounding swamps or crossed into neighbouring Duk County, where officials say at least 7,000 people have arrived in recent days.

The clashes are the latest in a series of confrontations in Jonglei, one of South Sudan’s most volatile regions, as tensions persist between government forces and Machar’s faction despite a fragile peace deal. 

According to the latest situationer from the International Crisis Group , war in Sudan spilled into South Sudan in December after Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) briefly seized the Heglig oil fields along the border, an area critical to South Sudan’s oil exports. 

The incident heightened instability in border areas that are vital to Juba’s economy, which depends heavily on oil revenue. Control of Heglig ultimately ensured the continuation of crude exports despite the violence.

Additional violence involved local armed groups. The SSPDF clashed with the “Red Belt” vigilante group in Bor, and a former senior general announced the formation of a new rebel movement, raising concerns over further fragmentation.

Despite the unrest, the government pledged to hold elections by December 2026, a plan rejected by Machar’s main faction amid delays in key preparations. 

Here is a recap of a few:

Sudan

From April 2023, Sudan has been stuck in turmoil, which has claimed the lives of hundreds of people and left women and children vulnerable. The conflict erupted over power struggles between rival military factions, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF. The conflict led to parts of the country facing famine. Millions were displaced, health systems collapsed, and reports of mass sexual violence mounted, yet funding and diplomatic engagement remained limited as donor fatigue developed. “Each passing day brings staggering levels of violence and destruction. Civilians are enduring immense, unimaginable suffering, with no end in sight,” Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs of the UN Khaled Khiari told ambassadors.

DR Congo

In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, fighting between armed groups intensified, particularly in North Kivu. Civilians faced killings, forced recruitment, and displacement, but the conflict received scant coverage outside Africa despite being a deadly one. The fighting resumed at the beginning of 2025 when the M23 rebel group made significant advances across the East. 

Haiti

Haiti continued to slide deeper into crisis as armed gangs expanded control over large parts of Port-au-Prince. Kidnappings surged, state authority eroded further, and humanitarian access shrank, yet international response stalled amid political paralysis. “Caught in the middle of this unending horror story are the Haitian people, who are at the mercy of horrific violence by gangs and exposed to human rights violations from the security forces and abuses by the so-called ‘self-defence’ groups,” Volker Türk, High Commissioner for Human Rights, is quoted .

Myanmar

In Myanmar, clashes between the military junta and ethnic armed groups were reported, with airstrikes hitting civilian areas. The conflict’s impact on women, children and minorities remained severe, even as global focus drifted elsewhere. Four years after the military seized power in 2021, Myanmar’s junta controls just 21% of the country, while rebel groups and ethnic armed forces hold about 42%, according to a 2024 BBC investigation.

Smaller but persistent conflicts in Ethiopia’s border regions, Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado, and Burkina Faso also worsened. While some of these were short-lived, they were mostly driven by a mix of insurgency and political instability.

The conflict has killed tens of thousands and displaced more than 12 million people, including 8.6 million within Sudan. Many more are seeking safety in neighbouring countries like Chad, Egypt , South Sudan, the Central African Republic and Ethiopia.

However, millions of Sudanese professionals are fighting against this conflict in their own way, miles away from their home country. 

One of them is Dr Suliman Ahmed, who has worked as a paediatrician in Saudi Arabia, a medical interpreter in the U.S., where he is based, a health insurance broker and now the founder and CEO of Dr Suliman Advisory Group.

Speaking to Ismail Akwei on Global South Conversations, Dr Ahmed shared his personal journey from Sudan to the United States and reflected on the conflict that has reshaped the lives of millions in his home country.

He recalled his childhood years in Sudan despite being born in Yemen to Sudanese parents who were both physicians. He returned to Khartoum for medical school, and although he grew up mostly in Saudi Arabia, he said Sudan shaped his earliest memories.

“I spent the first two years or the first few years of my life in Sudan communicating with my aunties, uncles, a lot of friends. And I even went to the first grade school and the preschool. So I spent a good time in there and I have a lot of memories. I carry a lot of love to my grandma who passed in 1998 or 1999. And I had actually a very colourful, prosperous memory. Sudan was doing good. Sudan really was doing good,” he said.

For Sudan to feel like home again, Dr Ahmed said three things must happen: “Maintain national unity and prevent further fragmentation, exclude perpetrators of civilian atrocities from future political processes, and hold those responsible for destruction accountable and mobilise funds for reconstruction.”

He believed Sudan has the intellectual capacity to rebuild, but not the resources. “Sudanese people are capable of making the country stand again,” he said. “All we need is funding to actualise our ideas.” 

He shared the hope of one day retiring in Sudan, once peace returns. “Living among your people… is a blessing. I see myself retiring in Sudan,” he said.

He acknowledged the works of community groups such as the Sudanese American Physicians Association (SAPA), which has been providing medical support to hospitals inside Sudan. “They had a tangible impact… raising funds for medical centres, helping trauma patients move to Egypt, Germany, the US, and the UK,” he said. 

“All of them feel the tragedy… everyone is trying to donate, to help, to alleviate the misery... We are generous by default. If we utilise this momentum and turn it into practical plans, we can make a great impact,” he added.

To those still living through the war , he offered encouragement: “Stay your ground, don’t lose hope… we will go through this all together.”

AU Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat has strongly condemned the recent wave of violence in Al-Fashar, urging both sides to stop fighting and open corridors for humanitarian aid.

But on the ground, the situation is heartbreaking. The UN says civilians are enduring unimaginable suffering, from mass killings and sexual violence to starvation and forced disappearances under the Rapid Support Forces’ siege.

Tensions are also rising internationally. At an emergency UN Security Council meeting in New York , Sudan accused the United Arab Emirates of secretly funding and arming the RSF. The UAE rejected the claim, instead blaming Sudan’s army for stalling peace efforts.

Both the AU and UN now face growing frustration over slow progress. While AU mediators work to revive peace talks, the UN continues to push for access to deliver aid and hold perpetrators accountable.

For millions of Sudanese people trapped in this nightmare, hope feels distant. Observers warn that the coming days could reveal whether the AU and UN can still make a difference, or if they’ll once again stand by as another humanitarian disaster unfolds.

He described recent developments as a turning point in Darfur, claiming “the entirety of Darfurian territory” was now under the control of the Sudan Founding Alliance (Tasis), following what he called the defeat of the “terrorist Islamic Movement's Army and its allied mercenary movements.”

Addressing reports of atrocities during the battle for El Fasher, where the United Nations says more than 1,350 civilians were killed, Al-Taishi said his government would conduct a “fair and transparent investigation” into all violations. He insisted that abuses were “isolated acts” and that those responsible would be held to account.

Al-Taishi also urged Sudanese citizens, particularly Darfur residents, to participate in community-led efforts to rebuild El Fasher.

His remarks came days after RSF chief Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo declared control over the city, describing it as a “strategic shift” in the ongoing conflict .

The RSF announced control of El Fasher on Sunday after intense battles with the Sudanese army. RSF leader and Sudan’s Founding Council Chair Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo described the capture as a “strategic shift in the war ” and “a change in favour of Sudan’s unity.”

Dagalo also said a committee would be formed to investigate reported violations during the fighting, following media reports of mass killings. The UN has said more than 1,350 civilians were killed in El Fasher.

Meanwhile, Sudan’s army chief and de facto ruler, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, insisted his forces remained capable of reversing the situation, vowing to “protect Sudan, its sovereignty, and the stability of its people regardless of the challenges.”

Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since fighting erupted between the army and the RSF in April 2023. More than 20,000 people have been killed and 33,000 injured, while around 12 million have been displaced. Over 25.6 million Sudanese are now facing severe food insecurity, according to UN figures.

On May 24, 1991, Eritrean forces captured their capital, Asmara, a victory which effectively marked the end of decades of war and ultimately secession from Ethiopia. This was the first such case in post-colonial Africa. Just six days earlier, the Somali Republic, which was created in 1960, split as Somaliland (a former British colony) declared independence from Somalia (a former Italian colony). 

Eritrea seceded from a union with Ethiopia, which had been imposed on it in 1962, but Somaliland seceded from a greater Somalia to which it had consented.

Ethiopia’s own government ultimately facilitated Eritrea’s recognition as a sovereign state by the international community.

Thirty-four years after its secession, Somaliland is still in search of international recognition in the face of fierce opposition from Somalia. And then, suddenly, Ethiopia suggested on January 1, 2024, that a quid pro quo may be possible after all: diplomatic recognition in return for access to the sea. If the deal were carried through as planned, it would be the most consequential international event in the Horn of Africa in decades. The hope was that Ethiopia’s recognition would pave the way for similar actions by other states, eventually leading to the birth of the world ’s newest state, the Republic of Somaliland.

So, to recap the two scenarios:

Inter-state and inter-ethnic conflicts continue to define the Horn of Africa.

Blinded by post-colonial logic

Even if Ethiopia and Somaliland had been able to execute as planned without any negative repercussions, their solution would have fallen short of addressing the seemingly intractable problem of the Horn of Africa. But why is the region so chronically unstable, and what can be done about it for the long term? All parties have an interest in the prosperity that a more stable region would generate.

The challenge, as so often, is about history. Ethiopia, alone among the states in the Horn of Africa, was never colonised.”. But its borders were nevertheless a product of struggles and arrangements made in capitals thousands of miles away. The ultimate consequence of the partition of the Horn of Africa was that cohesive nations of people who should have been governing themselves found borders separating them into different states. Conversely, those who should have been separated found themselves on the same side of the line as people with conflicting cultures, histories and traditions. 

This is the fundamental root of the political instability of the Horn of Africa.

What came into being in the region in the post-colonial period was Ethiopia, a state in search of a nation, and Somalia and Djibouti, nations in search of a state. Eritrea is neither a state nor a nation—it is an entity in search of both.

The political concept of state denotes administrative structure and control, and the sociological concept of nation denotes collective identity. 

Over the years, several proposals have been put forward for addressing the challenge of political instability in the Horn of Africa. One element that these proposals had in common was the need to maintain existing colonial borders, even if the countries in the region were to form some kind of union. The logic of avoiding the inevitable disputes and wrangling over a redrawing of boundaries is understandable. But is it compatible with a solution to the underlying problems?

What if our fixation with national borders with customs points, and fences is merely entrenching the errors of the past? What if we look instead at governance and decision-making and consider a framework that can support the needs of people without simply recreating existing problems in new locations? In fact, this formula is consistent with what is seemingly being practised in Ethiopia at the moment—ethnic federalism. But this approach also transcends it. The autonomy of different ethnic regions should be disproportional or asymmetric, reflecting the distinctive historical experiences of various regions. Some areas have greater cohesion and more unity, others need more independence.

It should be noted that such a concept is not new to Eritrea: Eritrea enjoyed a special status between 1952 and 1962. It was granted a federal status in an otherwise unitary Ethiopia. After a decade, however, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia abrogated the federal treaty with the support of the US, which, because of the Cold War, had a significant geostrategic interest in the region.

Such a special status should be extended not only to Eritrea but also to other regions in the Horn of Africa, including particularly Somaliland. If this type of asymmetric constitutionalism is implemented, the result could be the United States of the Horn of Africa. In theory, this would also become a stepping stone toward the realisation of the long-dreamt United States of Africa.

Author’s note: In this essay, I have referred to the Horn of Africa as Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, and Eritrea. The Greater Horn of Africa clearly also encompasses Sudan, South Sudan, Kenya, and Uganda.

The opinions and thoughts expressed in this article reflect only the author's views.

Seifudein Adem is a visiting professor at the Institute of Advanced Research and Education at Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan. He has taught in Ethiopia, the US, Japan and China and is the author of several books on international relations.

The GERD has long been a flashpoint between the two countries. Egypt views it as a threat to its water security, while Ethiopia calls it a vital source of energy and national pride.

“There is no explanation other than a deliberate act of defiance by the Ethiopian side,” said Mokhtar Ghobashy, a lawyer and deputy head of the Arab Centre for Political and Strategic Studies. 

Ghobashy accused Ethiopia of acting unilaterally throughout the GERD’s construction and operation.

“It’s clear that they have a complete disregard for the historical rights of Egypt and Sudan,” he said.

Ethiopia, for its part, insists the dam reduced flood damage and supports regional development, rejecting Cairo’s claims as “malicious and baseless.”

For Egypt, the rising waters are more than a natural disaster. They are a reminder of a power struggle flowing through the Nile itself, where survival and sovereignty now intertwine.

For Ethiopia, the continent’s second-most populous nation with more than 120 million people, the GERD is a symbol of national pride and economic transformation. The government says the dam will power homes, factories, and infrastructure projects, creating new opportunities for development and export of electricity to neighboring states.

But the project has also heightened tensions with Egypt and Sudan, who depend heavily on Nile waters for drinking, farming, and industry. Cairo has long feared that the dam will reduce its share of the river, which supplies more than 90% of Egypt’s freshwater. Sudan, too, has expressed concern about how water flows and dam operations might affect its irrigation systems and existing dams.

Ethiopia has dismissed these fears, arguing that the project will benefit the region by regulating floods and expanding power supply. Officials insist that GERD will not significantly harm downstream countries, pointing instead to its role in stabilizing water flows during drought years.

The dispute also touches on history. By moving forward with GERD, Ethiopia is sidestepping the 1929 Anglo-Egyptian Treaty, a colonial-era pact that gave Egypt veto power over Nile projects and granted it the lion’s share of water rights. Addis Ababa has long rejected the treaty as outdated and unjust.

Talks between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan have repeatedly stalled, and analysts warn that the absence of a binding agreement could fuel further tensions in an already fragile region.

“The RSF controls most of western Sudan; the army holds the east, including the capital. The centre is a battleground,” van Linge said, describing RSF methods as “genocidal” and warning that if the last major holdout city in Darfur falls, “tens of thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands, of lives could be at risk.”

What’s happening on the ground?

Amongst many other strategies, the RSF has tightened its control of El Fasher, the Sudanese army’s final stronghold in Darfur and a refuge for hundreds of thousands, using berms and earth walls to cut off routes, amid shelling and ground assaults. A report from the Middle East Eye indicated that independent satellite analysis and field reporting depict a city starved of supplies and pounded by fire. 

There have also been reports of killings of fleeing civilians and summary executions. Local and international monitors have documented summary executions by the RSF and allied militias, with multiple recent incidents around El Fasher and displacement camps; a reputable Sudan outlet reported at least 15 civilians shot dead while attempting to flee the city. “At least 15 people were executed on Saturday morning by RSF gunfire while trying to reach the town of Garni, west of El Fasher,” a source told the Sudan Tribune .

The UN human rights office has repeatedly flagged continuing killings in El Fasher and Abu Shouk camp, while earlier UN alerts reported emerging patterns of summary executions in the conflict. 

The Human Rights Watch World Report 2025 details “executions, torture and ill-treatment” by RSF and army forces across multiple fronts, adding to a record of ethnically targeted attacks in Darfur that UN experts and rights groups say could amount to mass atrocities.  

Van Linge traced the war to a rupture inside the security apparatus, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) versus the RSF, a powerful paramilitary with roots in Darfur militias. The RSF advanced early across much of Darfur and parts of central Sudan, while the SAF consolidated in the east.

  What they said

The Sudan Doctors Network said in a statement, “The network calls on the international community and humanitarian organisations to act immediately to provide food and basic healthcare to the camp's residents, especially children and pregnant women.”

In one such camp, a group of young Sudanese volunteers has stepped in to ensure children don’t lose access to education. “The initiative, honestly, was launched through the efforts of young people. There is no supporting entity, no organisations or bodies backing it,” said Jamal Ahmed, a volunteer. “The youth collect contributions, identify what’s lacking, and provide it to the school. We submitted aid requests to several organisations and initiatives, but the response was that this camp is just a temporary stop and there’s no mandate to support education. That’s why we rely entirely on our own efforts, especially the children’s parents, who are the main pillar of this initiative,” he told Viory.

Despite these challenges, the initiative has managed to provide classes for children from kindergarten to sixth grade. A teacher at the camp explained the hurdles they still face, “Through the initiative, we’ve been able to provide education for children from kindergarten up to sixth grade. But we still lack so much, some children study out in the open with no mats, no school supplies, and no toys. We're grateful to anyone who offers support, and all thanks go to our brothers and sisters in the 'Our Hands for the Country' initiative,” he said.

Around 13 million people have been displaced, including 3.8 million who have fled to neighboring countries.

The major no-fly zones in 2025

1. Ukraine

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian airspace has been off-limits to commercial flights. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) have classified Ukraine’s skies as extremely high-risk due to the presence of anti-aircraft weaponry and ongoing missile attacks.

2. Iran and the Persian Gulf Corridor

Tensions between Iran, Israel, and the U.S. have escalated dramatically in recent months. In response to heightened conflict in the region, many international carriers have rerouted flights to avoid Iranian airspace, especially near its western border and the Strait of Hormuz.

How airlines manage no-fly zones

Airlines rely heavily on real-time data from agencies like ICAO, FAA, Eurocontrol, and EASA, as well as private aviation risk assessors like OPSGROUP. Airspace closures require costly rerouting , longer fuel burns, and schedule delays — but safety is paramount.

Many carriers have added hundreds of kilometres to flight paths to comply with advisories. For example:

They argue that his "continuation in his position is complicating the crisis and undermining the United Nations’ efforts.", Sudan Tribune reports.

Appointed in November 2023 as UN Secretary-General Guterres's personal envoy for Sudan, following the termination of the UN’s previous mission, UNITAMS , Lamamra was expected to help steer the North African nation towards peace. However, critics say the Algerian has not made progress in securing a ceasefire or curbing the use of humanitarian access as a war tactic.

The letter accuses Lamamra of amplifying military narratives, ignoring civilian political voices, and endorsing illegitimate appointments within Sudan’s military-led government.

With over 4 decades of experience, Lamamra has held a number of high-level government posts in Algeria, including those of Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister, and President's State and Diplomatic Advisor. He was the African Union's Commissioner for Peace and Security from 2008 to 2013.

Calls for his dismissal come as Sudan’s conflict continues to devastate the country, displacing over 12 million people and sparking one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The group is urging the appointment of a new envoy with proven diplomatic and negotiation skills to rebuild trust and refocus the UN’s role in facilitating an inclusive political solution.

How $500m in missing aid threatens millions in Sudan

Famine threatens several areas south of Khartoum, warns the World Food Programme, which has reached one million people in seven parts of the city. Ongoing conflict between Sudan's army and the RSF since April 2023 has displaced millions and split the country into rival zones. Read more here .

Malawi's army implicated in death of Vice President

A German investigation has blamed the Malawi Defence Force for the June 10, 2024, crash that killed Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others. The MDF-operated Dornier aircraft was found 'not airworthy' due to expired certification and ignored mechanical issues. Read more here .

Senior Kenyan policeman arrested over death of blogger in custody

Kenyan authorities arrested a senior officer over blogger Albert Ojwang’s death in custody, which sparked protests. Police had claimed suicide, but an autopsy suggested assault. Read more here .

Asia

Air India Dreamliner crashes into Ahmedabad college hostel, kills over 240

Over 240 people died when an Air India flight to London crashed after takeoff from Ahmedabad, marking the worst aviation disaster in a decade. The Boeing 787 hit a medical college hostel, leaving one survivor—a British national of Indian origin—who described hearing a loud noise after takeoff. Read more here .

China to make all hospitals offer epidurals to incentivise childbirth

China will require all large hospitals to offer epidural anaesthesia during childbirth by year-end to support a 'friendly childbearing environment.' Smaller hospitals must comply by 2027, as authorities seek to reverse declining birth rates. Read more here .

Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut to fly to the International Space Station

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will become the first Indian to visit the ISS, launching June 10 on Axiom Mission 4 via SpaceX. He’ll join a four-member crew for up to 14 days of research and outreach. Read more here .

Latin America

From peace negotiator to prisoner: Salvadoran artist in exile fights for his father's freedom

Atilio Montalvo Valiente, a musician and activist, fled El Salvador after his father, a key figure in the 1992 peace process, was kidnapped and jailed by the government. Facing threats, Valiente now lives in exile, continuing his fight against autocracy. Read more here .

Brazil's Lula grows more unpopular in Brazil as approval dips to 28%, Datafolha poll shows

Brazilian President Lula’s approval dipped to 28% in June, while disapproval rose to 40%, according to Datafolha. Despite the drop, ratings remain better than February’s record lows. Read more here .

Mexican president condemns violence in Los Angeles protests

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned violence during Los Angeles protests against U.S. immigration raids and urged respect for the rule of law in migration. Demonstrators rallied citywide, denouncing U.S. policies. Read more here .

What they said

“The level of hunger and destitution and desperation that was found (is) severe and confirmed the risk of famine in those areas,” said Laurent Bukera, WFP Country Director in Sudan, speaking to reporters in Geneva via video link from Port Sudan. He added, “Supplements for young children and pregnant and nursing mothers are out of reach because of a lack of resources … Without urgent support we will not be able to deliver the food package that the Sudanese need.”

According to Sudan Tribune , Ibrahim Khater, Director General of the North Darfur Ministry of Health, said the RSF forces set fire to trucks carrying aid.

"The army has no interest in burning aid or targeting humanitarian convoys. What happened is a crime committed by the militia to choke the residents of El Fasher,” Khater said.

He added that the RSF had blocked the convoy for over 10 days before the attack.

In contrast, the RSF’s humanitarian wing, the Sudanese Agency for Relief and Humanitarian Operations (SARHO), blamed the Sudanese army, accusing it of bombing the convoy with warplanes where the strike killed five WFP workers, injured four others, and destroyed nine trucks.

The RSF called the attack “a blatant breach of international humanitarian law,” claiming it reflects a broader pattern of targeting aid workers.

Darfur regional governor Minni Arko Minawi also blamed the RSF. He said the attack came after convoy officials refused to change course or offload supplies.

“As a result, a number of aid workers were killed, and the militia looted the remaining trucks,” Minawi said. He called the attack a “terrorist act” and accused the RSF of using the army’s strikes as cover to deflect blame.

The Sudanese government in a statement condemned the incident, calling it a deliberate obstruction of humanitarian operations.

Sudan’s Prime Minister Kamil Idris has dissolved the existing government, assigning ministry secretaries and undersecretaries to manage affairs until a new cabinet is formed, according to state media SUNA. The decision followed a meeting with outgoing ministers, during which Idris commended their service amid the ongoing conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). 

Sudan’s transitional prime minister to form new government after Eid 

Sudan’s transitional Prime Minister Kamil Idris plans to form a new government after Eid al-Adha, with expected military involvement in selecting key sovereign ministers and allocating seats to armed groups that signed the Juba Peace Agreement. Idris dissolved the existing government following a closed meeting in Port Sudan, delegating ministry functions to general secretaries and undersecretaries to maintain essential services. 

Cholera outbreak worsens in Omdurman as isolation centre closes

The health situation in Omdurman, west of Sudan’s capital Khartoum, has deteriorated further after the Federal Ministry of Health closed the hospital’s isolation centre on May 28 due to the rising outbreak of choler a in the area and concerns about disease spread within the facility. 

Sudan’s new prime minister to prioritise national security, unity, and foreign relations

Sudan’s new Prime Minister, Kamil Idris, announced on Sunday, June 1, that his government will prioritise national security and the restoration of state authority. In his first address broadcast on state-run Sudan TV, he emphasised the need for comprehensive national recovery, an inclusive Sudanese-led dialogue, and the rejection of regionalism and racism. He also pledged to strengthen Sudan’s foreign relations, especially within the Arab and African regions, and called on the international community to support the country’s reconstruction. Osman Mirghani, editor-in-chief of Al-Tayyar, described the prime minister’s speech as promising, highlighting Idris’s commitment to inclusive dialogue as a potential foundation for progress.

Cholera deaths decline in Sudan’s Khartoum state as health interventions expand

Sudan’s Health Ministry reported on Monday, June 2, that cholera deaths in Khartoum State decreased to six on Sunday, down from 12 the previous day. A total of 605 cases were recorded in Karrari, Omdurman, and Ombada. The ministry attributed the decline to expanded field clinics, sanitation teams, and targeted health interventions. Last Thursday, the ministry reported 1,375 new cases and 23 deaths in Khartoum and 2,729 infections with 172 deaths nationwide.

Sudan’s new prime minister urges foreign backers to end support for RSF militias

Newly appointed Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris has called on countries supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to halt what he described as “criminal operations”. In an address delivered in Port Sudan on Sunday, Idris stated that national security and state authority depend on defeating the rebellion and dismantling insurgent militias. He urged foreign states to cease support and warned of consequences for those planning, financing, or cooperating in such actions. The Sudanese government has accused the United Arab Emirates, Chad, Libya, and South Sudan of backing the RSF during the ongoing conflict. Sudan’s civil war began on April 15, 2023, when clashes erupted between the military and RSF. More than 24,000 people have been reported killed, with actual figures likely higher.

In South Kordofan, renewed fighting in Dibebad forced around 2,800 people, mostly women and children, to flee last week. Many are now scattered across Al Quoz locality and into West Kordofan, with limited access to basic services. Conditions in the state capital, Kadugli, have significantly worsened amid heavy shelling and restricted humanitarian access, the Sudan Tribune reports.

Authorities in Northern State said 6,000 people displaced from North Darfur, Khartoum, and West Kordofan arrived in Dabbah locality between May 12 and 22.

Health conditions are also deteriorating, with Dujarric noting an 80% rise in suspected cholera cases in Khartoum over the past two weeks, now exceeding 8,500. The World Health Organisation has delivered supplies, but “much more is needed,” he said. An inter-agency assessment also identified widespread respiratory infections, malaria, and skin conditions, driven by inadequate shelter, sanitation, and access to clean water.

With the rainy season looming, the UN and partners are working to preposition aid, establishing storage hubs in Geneina, Nyala, and Tawila in Darfur. Cross-border operations from Chad will support West and Central Darfur.

Around 250,000 children in North Darfur have lost access to education since the war began in April 2023. Humanitarian partners have only reached 14% of the targeted children due to insecurity and lack of funding.

The UN renewed calls for “increased, flexible and timely funding” and “unimpeded access” to ensure aid reaches those most in need across the country.

Sudan saw 670 civilians killed by explosive weapons, while Nigeria recorded 463.

Most of these deaths occurred in populated areas, especially residential neighbourhoods and places where civilians sought shelter.

Sudan’s high numbers were linked to the brutal internal conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which has devastated urban areas like Khartoum and Omdurman.

In Nigeria, the report highlighted an increase in airstrikes by the country’s military that often resulted in unintended civilian casualties.

These included incidents in rural markets and camps for displaced people, raising concerns over rules of engagement and accountability.

Somalia was the third most-affected African country, with 225 civilian deaths in 2023. Most of these casualties were caused by non-state actors such as al-Shabab, who often use improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in busy urban centres.

Outside Africa, the highest number of civilian deaths was recorded in Gaza, where 4,518 civilians were killed in 2023. Ukraine followed, with 1,105 deaths, as Russia's invasion entered its second year with ongoing shelling in major cities.

Other countries with high civilian tolls included Syria, Afghanistan and Myanmar, where long-running conflicts have made urban areas frequent targets of explosive attacks.

Background

The report , released annually by AOAV, monitors the impact of explosive weapons worldwide using data from English-language media sources.

In 2023, it recorded 6,883 civilian deaths and over 10,600 injuries caused by explosive violence across 66 countries and territories.

The majority of these incidents occurred in towns, homes, refugee camps, markets and streets, places where civilians live, work, or gather.

Explosive weapons used in populated areas were especially deadly, accounting for 90% of all civilian deaths recorded.

Airstrikes and shelling were the most lethal forms, with state actors responsible for 58% of civilian deaths globally. Non-state groups were linked to a third of the total.

The report also noted an increase in harm caused by air-launched weapons, drones, and long-range artillery, especially in countries like Sudan, Ukraine, and Gaza.

AOAV called on governments and armed groups to respect international humanitarian law and to avoid the use of wide-area explosive weapons in civilian settings.

Below are the rankings by the respective countries as compiled by the AOAV

Civilian Deaths by Country (2023)

Country Civilian Deaths  Context

Gaza      4,518     Israeli airstrikes during ongoing conflict

Ukraine 1,105     Russian invasion and shelling of cities

Syria      717        Ongoing civil war and foreign interventions

Sudan    670         Internal war between army and RSF

Afghanistan        512        Attacks by Islamic State and Taliban

Nigeria  463        Military airstrikes and insurgent attacks

Myanmar             241        Conflict between military junta and rebels

Somalia 225        Attacks by al-Shabab using IEDs

Pakistan               198        Militancy and cross-border shelling

Israel     148        Hamas-led rocket attacks

In contrast, the RSF maintains control over much of the Darfur region and parts of South and West Kordofan. Areas of ongoing combat are marked in purple, while other contested or isolated pockets are highlighted in yellow. The map uses green to represent areas controlled by the Sudanese army and red for those under RSF control, Sudan Khbar reports.

The conflict, which began in mid-April 2023 in the capital Khartoum, has resulted in shifting frontlines, especially in central regions. The army reports that it has recently regained control of Khartoum, Sennar, and Al-Jazirah states after extended clashes.

The map is intended to provide an updated overview of military positions and the current distribution of forces across the country.

The RSF has not issued an official response to the map, though sources linked to the group have questioned the accuracy of the army's territorial claims.

“2,323 new cholera cases have been recorded, including 51 deaths over three weeks, 90% of which were identified in Khartoum State, especially Karrari and Jebel Aulia,” a statement from the Ministry read.

The outbreak has been fueled by severe water shortages, worsened after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) shelled three power stations in Omdurman on May 14, causing widespread power outages across the capital. With water supply systems down, residents have turned to unsafe sources such as shallow wells and direct extraction from the Nile, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.

Sudan is also currently facing multiple public health threats, including dengue fever, malaria, hepatitis, measles, and diphtheria, with infection and mortality rates varying by region.

The Ministry of Health has launched several public awareness efforts, including home visits, community dialogues via interactive theatre and mobile cinema, and mass media campaigns focused on disease prevention.

The Ministry estimates that up to 80% of health facilities in conflict-affected areas and 45% in other parts of the country are no longer operational, largely due to shortages of medicine , electricity, clean water, and medical personnel.

In Port Sudan, field teams delivered food aid and household essentials to internally displaced persons at the “Peace and Happiness Between Two Homes” shelter centre, part of a broader effort to improve living conditions in displacement hubs. Similar aid operations in Gedaref have already reached thousands of families with food packages and shelter support.

Displaced individuals from across the Red Sea, Gedaref, and Kassala states welcomed the aid with gratitude, acknowledging the consistent support provided by the people of Qatar through Qatar Charity since the outbreak of the conflict.

Many recipients noted that the assistance has significantly alleviated their daily hardships and reinforced their ability to endure the ongoing crisis, Qatar News Agency reports.

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The attacks began early May 3 morning and have turned Port Sudan, Sudan’s de facto capital and the current seat of the government into a conflict zone. While the RSF has not claimed responsibility, the Sudanese army claims the drones used in the attacks match those previously purchased by the UAE. The UAE, meanwhile, has denied involvement and condemned the violence.

The first wave of attacks targeted Port Sudan’s international airport, damaging its roof and forcing a shutdown. Although briefly reopened on May 4, the airport was closed again after renewed strikes the following day. The nearby Osman Digna air base was also hit.

The assault continued with drone strikes on a major fuel depot 20 kilometres outside the city. The resulting fire remained active as of Tuesday, and further drone attacks ignited the port’s fuel storage facility. Port workers said the southern terminal, its container terminal, has shut down completely.

Port Sudan’s main power station was also struck, leaving the entire city without electricity. One of the blasts damaged the Marina Hotel, which hosts foreign diplomats and is near the offices of army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

The attacks have brought daily life in Port Sudan to a halt. Most schools are closed, long queues have formed for fuel, and bakeries have shut down due to the lack of power and supplies. The city is currently hosting around 500,000 displaced people who have fled violence elsewhere in the country.

Government officials said that damage to fuel infrastructure alone is estimated at more than $500 million.

The Sudanese Security and Defence Council announced on May 6 that the country was cutting diplomatic ties with the UAE, one day after the International Court of Justice dismissed Sudan’s case accusing the UAE of genocide complicity.

Human rights advocates criticized the court’s decision. Mutasim Ali of the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights said the ruling failed to stop what he described as an ongoing genocide, warning that both the RSF and its alleged foreign backers would now act with even greater impunity.

“While there remains hope in exploring alternative accountability strategies, the RSF and the UAE will now continue to commit egregious atrocities, without the immediate prospect of intervention," Mutasim said.

The ongoing hearings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) underscore the escalating tensions between Sudan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Sudan's allegations that the UAE has violated the Genocide Convention by allegedly supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) raises significant legal and ethical questions. Sudan's acting justice minister claims that the RSF, backed by UAE resources, is engaged in systematic genocide against the Masalit ethnic group. As Sudan pursues emergency legal measures to curtail UAE support for the RSF, the UAE firmly denies these accusations, labelling them as unsubstantiated. Notably, the ICJ's ability to enforce its rulings remains a point of contention, especially given the UAE's legal reservations regarding the court's jurisdiction under the Genocide Convention. RFI reports that this complex legal situation is further complicated by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, with over 24,000 deaths reported and 14 million individuals displaced since the beginning of the conflict in April 2023.

UAE denies Sudan’s genocide claim at UN court

The UAE has also sought to distance itself from Sudan's claims by asserting that the allegations represent a misuse of judicial processes. The situation is precarious; both nations are bound by the 1948 Genocide Convention, yet the UAE's existing reservations could impede Sudan's attempts to secure a favourable ruling. According to AP , the geopolitical implications of this case are notable, as the United States has sanctioned RSF leaders due to their recognised role in the ongoing genocide. The implications of these sanctions highlight a broader concern regarding international accountability and the efficacy of the Genocide Convention in the face of such conflicts.

EU and UAE agree to launch free trade talks

The UAE has embarked on negotiations with the European Union (EU) to establish a free trade agreement, which reflects an ongoing effort to diversify trade partnerships amid rising U.S. tariffs. The Presidents from both sides highlighted the potential for expanding economic cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing technology. Such agreements not only aim to reduce tariffs and trade barriers but also to bolster economic resilience in a rapidly changing global landscape. US News reports that the UAE's economic relationships are further emphasised by a recent MoU signed with Ireland to enhance economic and technical cooperation, marking a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties with potential benefits across multiple sectors, including food security and healthcare technology.

EDGE, 4iG Space & Defence Technologies strengthen strategic ties in autonomous systems, space domains

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As war rages on between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the dead are becoming just another part of the shattered landscape.

Civilians trapped in besieged neighborhoods speak of unbearable scenes.

“As we all know, these cemeteries in Tarb al-Shuhada are illegal due to the siege imposed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). We were unable to reach the legitimate cemeteries because of the ongoing clashes and the RSF blocking our access," said Al-Samani Mohammed Al-Samani, a volunteer gravedigger.

“I could either be with my children , or I could stay and do my duty,” says one of the doctors who remained in Khartoum in an interview with the AFP.

Since the conflict began, at least 78 health workers have been killed, according to Sudan’s Doctors’ Union, as hospitals continue to face attacks, supply shortages, and an exodus of medical professionals fleeing the violence.

For some, the decision to stay was deeply personal. Dr. Fathia Abdelmajed, a paediatrician at Al-Buluk Hospital, has not left since she arrived at the facility, determined to guide younger doctors who had been working tirelessly since the start of the war.

“Since I arrived at Al-Buluk, I have not left it. Even the specialists were once our students, and we trained them,” she says. “I was the only senior doctor. These hardworking young professionals had been working since the beginning of the war, even before I arrived. They truly accomplished great things, and I became like a mother to them, offering guidance and support,” said Dr Abdelmajed.

Others, like Dr. Safaa Ali, a gynaecologist and director of Saudi Hospital, stayed out of devotion to their country and profession.

“I have been working since the start of the war. I have not left Sudan. We find strength in our love for our country, our passion for our work, and the oath we swore,” she says.

But the decision came at a high personal cost. As her own family fled Sudan.

“My family, like many others, decided to leave Sudan because children started getting scared, and our area had become a conflict zone. It was extremely dangerous. When they made the decision to leave, and I had to make my own, I stayed up all night thinking. In the end, my professional commitment took precedence over my family obligations,” she explains. 

The hospitals still operating have increasingly relied on volunteer networks, such as the local Emergency Response Rooms, to fill the gaps.

Mead al-Fath al-Khatib, a volunteer at the donation point, reflected on the challenges faced in the early days of the war. 

“Since the start of the war, the donation point has continued to provide meals. Of course, the situation was difficult in the beginning, and providing the necessary supplies to people was a challenge. However, the situation has improved a lot.”

Despite the dangers, residents have continued to rely on these community efforts for survival.

“We have remained here since the start of the war and have not left despite all the circumstances,” said Issam al-Dien Abdallah, a resident of Omdurman. “We continued to frequent this donation point to receive our meals. This soup kitchen is not only serving the Beit El-Mal area, but rather covers the entire Old Omdurman area, including Abbasiya and other areas. People come here to receive food.”

Meanwhile, in a significant development on the battlefield, Sudan’s army recaptured the presidential palace in Khartoum from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Friday. The victory marks one of the military’s most substantial achievements in its two-year war against the paramilitary RSF. However, the RSF responded with drone attacks, killing a news crew and several soldiers, underscoring the ongoing volatility of the conflict.

“This is a great day, a day of victory,” said Issam Khalifa, an Omdurman resident to the AFP. “The liberation of the presidential palace means a lot to us and is the beginning of the end for the RSF,” he added.

Other residents expressed similar opinions, emphasising their support for the army’s advances and expressing hope for stability after months of violence and hardship.

“The armed forces displayed great valour in taking control of the palace and achieved victory after two years,” said Osama Ahmad, another Omdurman resident. “The people remained patient with the armed forces, and thank God, this is a great achievement. We are grateful for this victory.”

For others, the timing of the recapture during Ramadan also carries a symbolic weight.

“We were expecting something like this because, during the last month, there were successive victories. It’s a month of victories, and just as the war started in Ramadan, it will end in Ramadan," said Radhi Refaat.

For many Sudanese, the conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis, with thousands displaced, infrastructure destroyed, and economic hardships worsening.

Sudan’s leaders strongly opposed this and accused Kenya of helping the RSF take political control, local reports indicate.

The Sudanese government announced the ban on March 13, saying it was a response to Kenya hosting meetings of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its allies.

Sudan’s Minister of Trade and Supplies, Omar Ahmed Mohamed Ali, signed the order, which applies to all goods coming from Kenya by land, sea, and air.

The government said the ban is necessary to protect Sudan’s national security and will remain in place until further notice. Officials were told to enforce the ban immediately.

Sudan relies on Kenya for many imports, including tea, food, and medicine. The trade ban is likely to affect businesses in both countries.

Two days before the agreement was signed, Sudan recalled its ambassador from Kenya in protest. But Kenya has defended itself, saying it only hosted the meetings to help find a peaceful solution to Sudan’s war, with support from the United Nations and the African Union.

The war between the Sudanese army and the RSF started in April 2023.

More than 20,000 people have died, and 14 million have been forced to flee their homes, according to the UN.

Some studies suggest the real death toll could be much higher, possibly around 130,000.

The fighting has now spread to most parts of Sudan, and the situation is getting worse. The UN and other international groups have warned that millions of people are at risk of starvation as food supplies run out.

"Council expressed its grave concern and outright condemnation of the recent developments in Sudan, in particular the announcement by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its affiliated political and social forces of the establishment of a parallel government in the Republic of Sudan, and warned that such action carries a huge risk of partitioning of the country," the statement read.

The AU emphasised that no member state or international actor should recognise or support any parallel government or entity seeking to govern any part of Sudan’s territory. The Council reaffirmed its commitment to Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity while calling for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.

"Council does not recognise the purported parallel government or entity in the Republic of Sudan," the AU declared, urging all parties involved in the conflict to respect calls for a ceasefire, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, and to commit to comprehensive peace talks.

Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a devastating war between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The conflict has led to tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of over 12 million civilians, making it the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.

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Leading the class is Amna Mohamed Ahmed, a 63-year-old educator who has spent three decades helping hundreds regain access to learning. "To watch someone go from not knowing how to read or write to graduating from university, getting a job, and supporting their family—it's incredible," she says.

Ahmed’s school provides a second chance for those who missed out on formal education, especially women who were denied schooling due to cultural or financial barriers.

In a country torn by conflict, her work has helped uplift several young people in her community.

The dispute comes after Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary, who also oversees foreign affairs, expressed support for an agreement between the militia and its allies.

This agreement, signed in areas still controlled by the group, calls for the "right to self-determination" for certain Sudanese regions.

Sudan has described this as an attempt to break up the country, the Sudan News Agency reports.

The Sudanese government accused the militia of ethnic violence in places like Al-Geneina and North Darfur.

It also claimed that the real goal of the agreement was to help the militia get weapons that armed groups are normally not allowed to buy.

Sudan believes this will make the war worse, just as its army is close to defeating the group.

Sudan says Kenya’s support for the militia violates international law and could harm relations between the two countries, especially in trade and business.

The government called on the African Union, the United Nations, and other international groups to act. It also warned that it would take all necessary steps to protect its sovereignty.

"The Kenyan presidency’s insistence on this dangerous course of action demonstrates its disregard for international law," Sudan’s Foreign Ministry said.

Sudan’s inflation rate continued its downward trajectory, falling to 145.14% in January, according to data released by the Central Bureau of Statistics on Sunday. This marks a significant decline from 187.83% in December 2024. According to Sudan Tribune , the latest figures indicate a sustained easing of inflation over recent months. In November, inflation stood at 198.22%, down from 211.48% in October and 215.52% in September. The trend suggests ongoing stabilization efforts in the country's economy, though inflation remains high. The inflation rate measures the percentage change in the general price level compared to the same month in the previous year, reflecting shifts in purchasing power and economic conditions.

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AU calls for immediate ceasefire amid worsening Sudan crisis

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RSF-backed parallel government plans to acquire warplanes

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Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed grave concern during a press conference in Geneva on Thursday. "There is evidence of the commission of war crimes and other atrocity crimes," she stated, referencing the growing pattern of violence targeting Sudanese minorities in the region, the AFP reports.

Shamdasani further addressed reports of chemical weapon use, including a U.S. report denouncing the Sudanese army’s possible deployment of such weapons. While the UN has not independently verified these claims due to limited access in Sudan, Shamdasani emphasised the seriousness of the reports. "These reports are very worrying, very concerning, and they do require further investigation," she said. "As you know, the use of chemical weapons is explicitly banned under international law."

However, the UN has documented other forms of violence, including the use of heavy weaponry in civilian-populated areas. "What we have documented is the use of extremely heavy weaponry in populated areas, including airstrikes in heavily populated areas and marketplaces," Shamdasani added. She called for an immediate halt to such indiscriminate violence, urging all parties to respect international law and protect civilian lives.

The violence comes amid the ongoing war between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been raging since April 2023. The conflict has already caused widespread displacement and humanitarian crises, with tens of thousands of lives lost and millions forced to flee their homes.

This week, Sudan’s military launched an offensive in Al-Jazira, recapturing its capital, Wad Madani, from the RSF. However, the victory has only intensified fears of further escalation and civilian suffering.

The initiative, launched by filmmaker Mohamed Fawi, aims to nurture Sudan’s first filmmaking community while empowering women to share untold stories. “After the war began, I felt compelled to contribute from within Sudan,” Fawi said.

“The most fitting approach was to create a project for women, as many workshop participants focused on women’s issues.”

One participant, Zeinab Alfadel, explained the process: “We were trained in filming, scriptwriting, and directing. Afterwards, we moved on to production and editing, culminating in the release of our films.”

For Eithar Khairy, another filmmaker, the experience was transformative. “It was challenging but rewarding. The idea came from Miss Bakhita, who suggested making a documentary during the ‘Cinema by Women Workshop.’”

The "Women's Cinema Project," as it’s called, has trained 11 women so far, creating a platform for voices long overlooked in Sudan.

This exploitation emerges out of desperation; women face dire consequences if they refuse such offers, risking their survival in already challenging circumstances.

One 27-year-old Sudanese woman, who fled to Chad with her five children , spoke to The Associated Press about her harrowing experience.

She described being coerced into a sexual relationship with an aid worker in exchange for money to buy essentials. "The children were crying. We ran out of food," she said. “He abused my situation.”

The woman, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation, explained that the aid worker promised her cash in exchange for sex. He gave me about $12 each time, she said. After giving birth to a child she claims was his, he provided her with a one-time payment of around $65 but denied paternity.

The man was a Sudanese labourer for Doctors Without Borders, known by its French acronym MSF, she added.

Another woman shared a similar story, detailing how two Chadian men at the site repeatedly contacted her after she applied for a job, offering employment in exchange for sex. Both women said they refused the proposition.

A Sudanese psychologist reports numerous accounts of women trading sex for support, leading to unwanted pregnancies and a cycle of abuse and neglect.

“They were psychologically destroyed. Imagine a woman getting pregnant without a husband amid this situation,” The psychologist said. "They came to me because they couldn’t get an abortion for fear of being shunned by their communities."

Despite the existence of safe spaces and reporting mechanisms established by humanitarian organisations to protect women from exploitation, many refugee women remain vulnerable.

One woman, who had a child as a result of a sexual relationship with an aid worker, said she feared reporting him for fear he would turn her over to the police . “He threatened me,” she said,

A 19-year-old refugee recounted being propositioned for sex by her employer in exchange for a raise. The distressing reality is that many women feel they must sacrifice their dignity to survive, often leading to further victimisation.

Local authorities, including Ali Mahamat Sebey, the head official in Adre, have denied allegations of abuse by local police, asserting that officers are prohibited from entering the camps. Sebey acknowledged, however, that the growing number of refugees makes it difficult to ensure the safety of every individual.

According to the United Nations, over 6.7 million women and girls are at risk of gender-based violence while an estimated 24 million Sudanese children face threats as a result of the war.

The country's healthcare services have been severely disrupted and malnutrition is on the rise. 80% of hospitals in conflict-affected areas have been closed, limiting access to essential health services. Local news reports indicate that medical staff, supplies and infrastructure are also in short supply.

More than 100 healthcare facilities including the only maternity hospital in El Fasher, North Dafur and the largest referral maternity hospital in Khartoum have been attacked since the conflict began.

The attacks have worsened Sudan's already high maternal mortality rates, which have surged since the violence erupted.

Babies born to malnourished mothers are facing increased risks, such as fetal growth restrictions, leading to poorer health outcomes and higher neonatal death rates.

Save the Children's Interim Country Director for Sudan, Mohamed Abdiladif, has called for urgent international aid to address the crisis. He stressed the need for increased funding for the health system, an immediate ceasefire and efforts to secure a lasting peace agreement.

Background

Millions of people have been forced to flee their homes after a civil war broke in Sudan between two major rival factions of the military government of Sudan, the Sudanese Armed Forces under Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and its allies in April 2023.

More than 12 million Sudanese people have been displaced.

The United Nations has described it as the largest displacement crisis in the world.

While in Chad, the Duchess travelled to Adré, a town located just 400 metres from the Sudanese border, which is currently receiving approximately 400 new refugees from Sudan every day.

The conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, has forced nearly 11 million people to flee their homes in search of safety, creating one of the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies.

During her visit, the Duchess met with humanitarian workers from organisations such as UNICEF and the UNHCR, who are on the frontlines providing aid and support to Sudanese refugees displaced by the ongoing violence. She also spoke with refugees, including women and children, who had recently escaped the conflict in Sudan.

Neighbouring countries, including South Sudan, have been significantly impacted by the refugee crisis. South Sudan alone has seen over 810,000 arrivals since the conflict began, placing immense pressure on its already limited resources.

Essentially, out of the one in eleven people hungry around the world, five of them are Africans.

Countries such as Sudan, Nigeria, and Ethiopia top the list for the highest levels of food insecurity with conflict remaining the principal driver.

In Sudan alone, the ongoing conflict has left around 25.6 million people experiencing acute food insecurity as per data collated in 2023, representing a 26 percent increase from the previous year.

“The conflict has also resulted in more than 2 million people fleeing to neighbouring countries, exacerbating regional food crises,” parts of the report read.

Countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) also remain high on the charts , with over 15 million people facing high levels of food security.

Extreme weather events, like droughts caused by El Niño (variations in winds and sea surface temperatures in the Equatorial pacific), have significantly impacted local agriculture and food availability on the continent.

Countries with limited access to financing face higher rates of undernourishment and childhood stunting, the report added.

According to the report, 71.5 percent of the population in low-income countries struggle to afford nutritious food, compared with 52.6 percent in lower-middle-income countries and significantly lower percentages in higher-income nations.

Although progress in food security was observed in Latin America, the situation in Africa has worsened, and there was no significant change in Asia.

However, nations such as Kenya were highlighted as having achieved significant declines in food security, with more than 1 million fewer people facing acute food crises.

The high levels of food insecurity globally, according to the report, pose challenges to the achievement of the SDG 2 – Zero Hunger goal by 2030.

The report further suggested that by the end of the decade, 582 million people will be chronically undernourished—most of them in Africa.

The World Bank recommends increased investment in sustainable agriculture to strengthen food supply chains and improve agricultural resilience to climate shocks as key steps to reduce Africa’s dependence on external food imports.

Humanitarian aid, additional funding and international collaboration are also highlighted as solutions to support nations in combating hunger, particularly in Africa.  

This is a significant development particularly since the country has been grappling with conflict and displacement.

“We will be studying daily, just like we used to in the past,” said Nadia Jbara, a student at Wahda School. She expressed happiness about resuming classes, adding that they had received much-needed support and equipment for their education.

The United Nations has described Sudan’s ongoing conflict as the world's largest displacement crisis, with millions of people affected across the country.

Sheldon Yett, UNICEF's representative in Sudan, who was present at the school's opening told AFP, “This is the day we are going back to school, seizing the right to an education".

Local officials rang the school bell to signal the start of the new term, as girls entered their classrooms with a sense of hope and excitement.

The academic year’s launch in Sudan’s Red Sea State comes amid the ongoing conflict in the war-torn country.

Tedros also highlighted the collapse of Sudan’s health system, with 70-80% of health facilities no longer functioning. Outbreaks of cholera, malaria, dengue, and measles, combined with rising conflict-related sexual violence, have further worsened the crisis.

Expressing frustration, Tedros noted the lack of international attention, stating, "The situation in Sudan saddens me deeply, but I'm also saddened that the crisis is not receiving the global focus it deserves."

Since April last year, Sudan has been engulfed in conflict between the army and paramilitary forces, leading to tens of thousands of deaths and creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

Independent UN experts revealed that their fact-finding mission had uncovered "harrowing" human rights violations by both sides, warning these acts could amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.  

Hunger and disease could claim the lives of over 2 million people by the end of this year, with the toll potentially rising to over 10 million by 2027 if the ongoing civil war persists without any intervention.

A joint statement by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Danish Refugee Council (DRC), and the Mercy Corps, noted that "Sudan is experiencing a starvation crisis of historic proportions. The silence is deafening. People are dying of hunger every day, and yet the focus remains on semantic debates and legal definitions."

The crisis began in April 2023, when  violent clashes  erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group. This power struggle has plunged the country into chaos, resulting in widespread violence, displacement, and destruction. Civilians have been the hardest hit, with millions fleeing their homes and many trapped in besieged cities with limited access to food, water, and medical supplies.

The ongoing conflict has also severely disrupted agriculture, leading to a dramatic decline in food production and exacerbating the already dire situation.