AGP Executive Report

Drone Attack in North Kordofan: A drone strike hit the Abu Zaeima market in Hamrat al Sheij, North Kordofan, killing at least 11 civilians and injuring dozens, according to Emergency Lawyers; the attack followed earlier strikes in the same area and comes amid intensified aerial warfare. Army Welcomes RSF Defectors: Sudan’s army says it has received RSF defectors as a “strategic victory,” with commanders pledging to the army and Al-Burhan reiterating an open-door policy for fighters who lay down arms. Peace Talks, Exclusion Fight: The Ta’sis (Sudan Founding Alliance) rejects any Sudan settlement outside established international frameworks, demands a three-month humanitarian truce via the Jeddah platform, and insists on a veto against the Islamic Movement and the National Congress Party. Humanitarian Funding Push: The U.S. State Department announced $240m for Catholic Relief Services, including support for Sudan, aiming to speed up multi-sector emergency aid. Hunger Warning: WFP warns the Iran conflict is worsening food insecurity and notes Sudan among other hotspots facing deteriorating conditions and funding shortfalls. Ebola Update in India: Two Sudanese suspected Ebola cases at Hyderabad’s Gandhi Hospital tested negative, easing immediate public health concerns. Regional Security Narrative: Xinhua reports Gulf Arab states’ confidence in U.S. security commitments is eroding after U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks affecting shipping and markets.

Sudan Peace Talks: Sudanese political and civil forces from rival camps agreed on a shared vision to end the war and set up a path toward democratic civilian rule, handing the draft to the international “quintet” mechanism (AU, Arab League, EU, UN, IGAD). Civilian Harm in Kordofan: A drone strike hit a main market in Abu Zaeima, North Kordofan, killing at least 11 and wounding dozens, with rights groups calling for an end to repeated attacks on civilians. Army-Defector Rift: The Sudanese army welcomed RSF defectors as a “strategic victory,” a move that could deepen divisions among those who lost relatives to RSF violence. Humanitarian/Health: In Hyderabad, two Sudanese Ebola-suspected patients tested negative at Gandhi Hospital, easing fears as isolation protocols continue. Higher Education Control: Sudan’s Ministry of Higher Education ordered universities to return to their original licensed campuses by Aug. 1 or lose intake rights for 2026–2027. International Support: The U.S. approved $240m for Catholic Relief Services, including aid for Sudan. UN Recognition: Six Bangladeshi UNISFA peacekeepers killed in a Sudan drone strike were posthumously awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal.

Sudan Peace Talks: Rival Sudanese political and civil forces say they’ve agreed on a shared vision for ending the war and enabling a democratic civilian transition, handing a draft to the international “quintet” (AU, Arab League, EU, UN, IGAD) after talks stalled. Civilian Transition Roadmap: The statement frames the process as Sudanese-owned and aimed at preserving unity, sovereignty, and national institutions. Regional Diplomacy: Egypt and Germany held high-level consultations on African affairs and Sudan, stressing security plus development as the route to durable stability. Sudan’s Higher Education: Sudan’s Ministry of Higher Education ordered universities to return to their original licensed campuses by August 1 or lose intake rights for 2026–2027, targeting off-campus learning set up during the war. Ebola Scare Abroad: In India, suspected Ebola cases involving Sudanese nationals at Hyderabad’s Gandhi Hospital tested negative, with monitoring and further tests continuing.

Sudan Diplomacy: Egypt’s FM Badr Abdelatty held calls with Qatar and Saudi counterparts, urging a humanitarian truce first and a Sudanese-led political process, while stressing unity, sovereignty, and rejecting “parallel entities.” War and Accountability: A Sudanese army war-crimes case is pushed in international forums, with rights groups alleging systematic attacks on civilians and violations of humanitarian law. Humanitarian Crisis (Darfur/Border): MSF says drone attacks along Sudan’s Chad border have surged since May, treating 116 wounded in five weeks, including a deadly May 24 strike on a market cafeteria in Tina. South Kordofan Violence: Renewed fighting between SPLM-N and Atoro forces has displaced thousands, with reports of destroyed villages and looting. Ebola Scare in India (Sudanese link): Telangana health authorities reported suspected Ebola cases involving Sudanese travellers at Hyderabad’s Gandhi Hospital; one case later tested negative, while others remain under observation and testing. Regional Security Tensions: In South Darfur, a fresh drone strike on Kubum killed at least nine civilians as rights groups warn of rising intertribal tensions. Probe Update (Non-Sudan Politics, but named Sudan): Nepal’s committee investigating former home minister Sudan Gurung submitted a report to the PM—separate from Sudan’s war, but notable for governance and legal process.

Sudan War & Governance: A probe committee in Nepal investigating allegations against former Sudan Gurung has submitted its report to Prime Minister Balendra Shah, following a May 11 Cabinet decision—raising questions about political accountability and asset disclosures. Humanitarian Crisis: The Norwegian Refugee Council says Sudan and the DRC top the world’s most neglected displacement crises, warning that funding cuts are leaving millions without support as violence drives hunger and displacement. Border Violence & Health Impact: Médecins Sans Frontières reports intensifying drone strikes near the Chad-Sudan border, treating 116 wounded in Tina since May began, with women and children increasingly among casualties. Public Health Watch: Two suspected Ebola-related cases involving Sudanese travellers were isolated in Hyderabad after screening at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, with officials stressing infection not yet confirmed. Regional Diplomacy: Egypt and Japan held strategic talks that included Sudan, with Cairo reiterating support for a comprehensive ceasefire and political settlement.

Sudan Peace Process Under Strain: Consultative talks in Addis Ababa (June 3–5) under the “Quintet mechanism” aim to restart a political track for ending Sudan’s war, but analysts say exclusion, weak legitimacy, and repeated failed formats make real progress unlikely. War Crimes and Accountability: New reporting highlights how sexual violence is being used as a weapon in Sudan’s conflict, with women describing abduction, rape, and ransom demands, while survivors struggle to seek justice. Militarization of Politics: A new look at the RSF traces how the Rapid Support Forces evolved from the Janjaweed era into a powerful political actor—raising questions about whether its influence can be reshaped. Humanitarian Pressure: The Norwegian Refugee Council again flags Sudan as the world’s most neglected displacement crisis, citing massive internal displacement, hunger, and sharply reduced funding. Regional Spillover: A Sudan-linked Ebola scare in India triggered isolation and testing protocols for a feverish traveler, underscoring how Sudan’s instability continues to affect public health planning beyond its borders.

Neglected Crises: The Norwegian Refugee Council says Sudan is the world’s most neglected displacement crisis, with over 9 million internally displaced and 4 million refugees abroad, alongside near-19.5 million facing acute hunger. Security & State-Building: RSF commander Mohamed Dagalo ordered creation of a “new national army” via a security and defence council, folding RSF and allied armed groups into a new force—deepening Sudan’s split between SAF-recognized authority and RSF-controlled areas. Political Process in Addis Ababa: Sudan’s Democratic Bloc is fractured over the Addis Ababa dialogue; some groups plan to boycott, accusing the “quintet” of steering talks and warning that including the Tasees track could legitimize an RSF-linked parallel government. War Crimes & Accountability: UN reporting highlights sexual violence as a defining feature of Sudan’s war, with women describing abduction and sexual slavery and UN/rights groups pointing to RSF as the main perpetrator. Bread Price Protest Crackdown: After bread prices surged, Communist Party protests in Khartoum led to tear gas and arrests, including the detention of party leader Mokhtar al-Khatib by NISS. Humanitarian Health: CEPI-backed efforts are moving to develop Ebola vaccines for the Bundibugyo strain amid the DRC outbreak, with frontline protection measures also expanding in the region.

Inter-Sudan Dialogue: UN Secretary-General envoy Pekka Haavisto is set to travel to Sudan after Addis Ababa consultations, where the Quintet will convene Sudanese civilian stakeholders to shape a future inter-Sudanese civilian dialogue. Political Bloc Tensions: Ahead of the Addis Ababa talks, divisions inside Sudan’s Democratic Bloc surfaced as SLM-Abdelwahid (SLM-AW) joined the process while other groups announced a boycott, accusing organizers of agenda-setting without enough consultation and warning against legitimizing a parallel RSF-linked track. War Crimes & Accountability: A new report highlights sexual violence as a defining feature of Sudan’s war, with UN and rights groups pointing to RSF-linked abuses and describing women held in sexual slavery and forced ransoms. Humanitarian Conditions: UNFPA described parts of Khartoum as a “ghost town” but said people are returning as displacement camps become unbearable; it also flagged disrupted health services and limited access to emergency care. Civil Society Support: The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate says it has backed more than 1,000 media workers since the war began, with a focus on women and health support. Regional Diplomacy: Turkish President Erdoğan met Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council chair Burhan in Türkiye to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional developments.

Sudan War & Human Rights: A new AP report spotlights women abducted and held as sex slaves in western Sudan, with families allegedly forced to pay ransoms to the captors—underscoring the UN’s view that sexual violence is a defining feature of the conflict. Displacement Update: IOM says more than 10,000 people were displaced in Sudan’s Blue Nile in just three weeks in May, pushing the state total to about 59,742 as fighting intensifies. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Turkish President Erdoğan met Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council chair Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in Ankara, reaffirming Ankara’s push to end the bloodshed and expand cooperation in trade, agriculture, energy and defense. Accountability & Public Trust: Sudan’s government is facing renewed scrutiny over passport-related silence involving Hemedti’s brother, with critics saying non-response is fueling suspicion. Civilian Protection & Advocacy: Human rights advocates urged the NBA to end its UAE partnership, arguing the league’s ties help shield Abu Dhabi amid allegations of support for RSF abuses in Sudan. Policy & Governance: A study on Sudan’s wartime online propaganda describes a fragmented information battle between SAF and RSF, complicating efforts to establish a clear national narrative. International Labor Cooperation: Sudan’s labor minister met counterparts at the ILO conference in Geneva to discuss strengthening labor cooperation.

Sudan Conflict & Displacement: IOM reports over 10,000 people displaced in Blue Nile within three weeks in May, pushing totals in the state to about 59,742 as attacks intensify. Darfur/Kordofan Security: New drone attacks across Darfur and Kordofan killed civilians and inflamed tribal clashes, with the Tasees government aligned to RSF accusing deliberate targeting. Information War: Analysts say SAF and RSF are fighting a “virtual war” for domestic and international support, using media networks and social platforms to shape narratives. Humanitarian Strain: Aid groups warn that US funding cuts are worsening maternal health risks for Sudanese refugee women in CAR, where clinics are stretched and some services have reduced staffing. Politics & Accountability: Nepal’s probe committee investigating former home minister Sudan Gurung has been granted five more days to draft its report after recording his statement amid share-investment and money-laundering allegations. Diplomacy: President Burhan sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev, while Erdoğan met Burhan in Ankara to discuss peace efforts and deeper trade, agriculture, energy, and defense ties. External Allegations: HRW and Conflict Insight claim UAE-trained Colombian contractors aided RSF atrocities; the UAE denies involvement.

Sudan Conflict & Civilian Protection: UN officials warn that intercommunal clashes in western Sudan are piling onto the humanitarian crisis, with Central Darfur aid suspended for about 21,000 people and West Kordofan facing a suspected cholera spread alongside renewed fighting. North Kordofan Death Toll: The UN and local reporting say the Eid al-Adha violence in North Kordofan has killed dozens, including a reported rise to at least 58 after bodies were found following an RSF attack on villages west of Bara. Health System Strain: Separate reporting highlights how war has disrupted Sudan’s medicines and care, with civilians struggling to find insulin and other supplies as storage and supply chains break down. Political Dialogue & Governance: Coverage also points to Sudan’s internal political maneuvering, including moves toward broader national dialogue and reshuffles tied to intensifying power struggles. Regional Security Context: Turkey’s president links ongoing conflicts across Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan and Yemen to efforts to “reshape the region,” while Egypt continues diplomatic messaging on regional stability.

Kordofan & Darfur Violence: The UN says intercommunal clashes in western Sudan are piling onto the war, disrupting aid and worsening a suspected cholera outbreak in West Kordofan, while Eid al-Adha fighting left dozens dead and forced displacement toward Chad. Drone Strikes: Rights groups and local leaders report nearly 70 civilians killed in two drone attacks in Kordofan, including strikes on displacement sites, as drone use expands across the conflict. RSF Attack Toll: North Kordofan’s Bara area sees the death toll from an RSF assault rise to at least 58 after bodies of missing civilians were found, with Sudan’s foreign ministry and parties calling for accountability and civilian protection. Humanitarian Strain: UN officials warn that escalating insecurity is suspending aid for tens of thousands and driving more people into unsafe conditions during the rainy season. Health Crisis at Home: Sudan’s war is also hitting basic care—children are missing routine vaccines, and families struggle to find safe medicines, including insulin, as supply chains collapse. Ebola Response: CEPI and partners are fast-tracking new Ebola vaccine work for the Bundibugyo strain, including Moderna’s mRNA candidate, as cases in the DRC and Uganda continue to spread. Security Governance: Hemedti issues a decree setting up a Security and Defence Council for the Tasees government, outlining roles tied to national security planning and a new army framework. Political Process: The “quintet” group’s Addis dialogue meetings face uncertainty as Sudanese alliances reportedly refuse to attend, warning of a “flooding” of the political process. Legal/Finance: BNP Paribas says it is appealing Sudan-related litigation in the US, arguing the trial court misread Swiss law and blocked key authorized-transaction arguments. Media Oversight: Sky exits Sky News Arabia’s joint venture, handing full control to IMI amid prior scrutiny over Sudan war coverage.

Sudan Conflict & Security: Misbar reports the RSF’s May 21 claim of destroying a Sudanese air-defense system in Omdurman, with its analysis pointing to a Turkish-made Hisar-A system—another sign drones and long-range weapons are reshaping the battlefield. Media & Information Control: Sky News Arabia’s ownership shifted as British Sky Group ended joint control and handed full operational control to UAE-based IMI, amid renewed scrutiny over Sudan war coverage and alleged RSF-related framing. Humanitarian & Civilian Harm: A Sudan-focused report highlights the continued toll on civilians, including accusations that RSF-affiliated forces killed 27 people in North Kordofan, while other coverage underscores the broader scale of displacement and hospital destruction. Regional Health Preparedness: NCCRM says it is boosting Ebola readiness in Liberia after a Monrovia meeting, including early warning, prevention messaging, and response coordination—linked to cross-border outbreak risks affecting Sudan and neighbors. International Diplomacy: Trump’s push to link any Iran peace deal to Arab and Muslim states signing onto the Abraham Accords again puts Sudan’s normalization path back in the spotlight, even as regional reactions remain cautious.

Sudan War & Civilian Harm: A Sudanese medical group says RSF-affiliated forces killed 27 civilians in North Kordofan, adding to reports of mass violence and targeting of people trying to flee. Military Power Struggle: Burhan has carried out a military reshuffle as the SAF–RSF power struggle intensifies, underscoring how command changes are tied to the conflict’s political fight. Humanitarian Pressure: Nigeria says 3,108 Nigerians have been evacuated from Sudan since April 2023, while displacement-linked support efforts continue amid the war’s third year. International Scrutiny: A report claims UAE-trained Colombian mercenaries have been involved in Sudan’s fighting, and a separate account says Sky News Arabia is exiting its UAE venture after genocide-denial accusations—both feeding pressure on external backers and media narratives. Diplomacy & Sanctions: Ukraine’s new decrees add Sudanese individuals to sanctions lists tied to Russia-linked military and drone production networks. Regional Politics: Ethiopia’s June 1 election looms amid violence and exclusion concerns, with Tigray and other actors facing restrictions—another reminder of instability across the Horn.

Military Power Struggle: Sudan’s army chief Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan announced a sweeping military reorganization, placing allied armed groups under formal army command and appointing new top posts as the SAF-RSF fight threatens further fragmentation. Civilian Protection Alarm: A Sudan Doctors Network report accuses RSF-affiliated forces of killing 27 civilians in Eid al-Adha attacks on villages in North Kordofan’s al-Murrah area, with elderly victims among the dead. Justice & Detention: Sudan’s Ministry of Justice says it is implementing the Supreme Judicial Council’s Eid al-Adha pardons, ordering the release of inmates including Libyan and other Arab/foreign nationals, with foreign releases to be followed by deportation procedures. International Sanctions Spillover: Ukraine signed decrees aligning sanctions with the EU’s 20th package, adding Russian, Iranian, and Sudanese individuals and companies tied to defense, drones, and related sectors. Humanitarian Law in Focus: A UN-backed report on sexual violence in conflicts is criticized for what some see as politicized conclusions, while Sudan remains named through RSF-linked allegations. Governance & Dialogue: Burhan also calls for broad political dialogue to map a new political structure, as rival visions compete inside the war-torn state.

Sudan Conflict & Civilian Protection: Sudan Physicians Network and local tribal leaders accuse Rapid Support Forces-linked units of massacring civilians in North Kordofan’s Al Marra area during Eid al-Adha, with reports of at least 27 dead (many elderly) in villages lacking any military presence, deepening outrage over impunity and fragile rural protection deals. Regional Diplomacy & Pressure on Israel Ties: In Washington, Pakistan’s FM Ishaq Dar and US Sec. of State Marco Rubio left a meeting without answering a reporter’s “Will Pakistan recognise Israel?” question; Dar later reiterated “no flexibility” until an independent Palestinian state is recognized, as Trump presses Muslim-majority countries to expand the Abraham Accords. External Actors in Sudan’s War: A German think tank report says the UAE plays a destabilising role in African conflicts, citing weapons, money, and logistics support to armed groups tied to atrocities—adding fresh scrutiny amid ongoing attention to the Sudan war. International Law Under Strain: UN chief Antonio Guterres warns of “dangerous erosion” of international law and the UN Charter as powerful states act with impunity, citing crises including Sudan and the Middle East. Health Crisis Beyond Sudan: Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is worsening, with WHO warning response is hampered by the lack of ready vaccines or treatments and urging clinical-trial use of potential options.