AGP Executive Report

Medical Diplomacy: Qatar Red Crescent Society launched a multi-specialty medical convoy in Sudan, sending surgeons to Bahri Teaching Hospital in Bahri for up to 116 free operations, alongside training for local staff. Ethiopia–Tigray Power Shift: Ethiopian federal forces and allied militias took full control of Mekelle after the TPLF said it “temporarily moved out,” with residents reporting closures and security patrols as the conflict raises fears of wider Horn instability. Regional Summit in Egypt: Egypt hosted talks in Alamein bringing together Egypt, Sudan’s Burhan, Somalia’s Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Eritrea’s Isaias Afwerki to coordinate on regional issues, amid escalating Ethiopia-Eritrea tensions and accusations of cross-border support. Sudan War Politics: A former civilian member of Sudan’s ruling Sovereignty Council says Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan is “using war to stay in power,” while the army claims a “knockout blow” against RSF in Blue Nile. Civilian Harm in Sudan: Drone strikes hit a university dormitory and a shelter for displaced families in El-Obeid, killing at least 10, as fighting intensifies in North Kordofan. Humanitarian Climate Warning: A report warns El Niño-linked extreme heat could kill hundreds of thousands, with Sudan among the hardest hit.

Ethiopia–Tigray Escalation: Ethiopian federal forces say they’ve retaken Alula Aba Nega Airport in Mekelle after Tigray rebels reportedly withdrew, as fighting spreads and communications remain disrupted—raising fears of a wider Horn of Africa war. Regional Diplomacy: Egypt is hosting a four-way summit in El-Alamein with Eritrea, Somalia and Sudan, with President Sisi and Sudan’s Burhan expected to coordinate amid Ethiopia’s renewed clashes and tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions. AU De-escalation Call: The African Union urged Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt to exercise restraint and keep dialogue open as tensions spike. Sudan Civil War Atrocity Claims: Sudan Doctors Network reports RSF executed 25+ civilians in North Kordofan’s Umm Badr, alleging ethnic targeting; Sudan’s army also claims heavy losses for RSF and allies in Blue Nile. Blue Nile Attacks: Sudanese authorities accuse RSF of drone strikes on the governor’s house and civilian sites in Damazin. Fuel Pressure in Sudan: A fuel shortage is driving price hikes and black-market sales, with import restrictions and FX problems blamed.

Regional Diplomacy: Egypt, Eritrea, Somalia and Sudan’s Sovereign Council chair Abdel Fattah al-Burhan will meet in New Alamein for a four-way summit aimed at coordinating over the Ethiopia crisis, as Addis Ababa and Eritrea sever ties and Egypt–Ethiopia trade expulsions. Sudan War Crimes Claims: Sudan Doctors Network says RSF executed 25+ civilians in Umm Badr, North Kordofan, alleging ethnic targeting and calling for UN and rights investigations. Ethiopia Escalation With Horn Spillover Fears: Ethiopian federal forces recaptured Mekelle’s main airport (Alula Aba Nega), with reports of rebel retreat and looting fears, while fighting and diplomatic tensions raise concerns of wider regional conflict. Nile Dispute: Ethiopia’s water minister defended GERD and rejected any demand for prior downstream approval, citing the Aswan High Dam’s displacement of Nubians and calling on Cairo to explain its past. EU Sanctions Debate: An EU move to target Sudan’s war economy by restricting gold trade and chemicals faces criticism over whether it can work without disrupting the regional networks that profit from the trade. Humanitarian Pressure: WFP warns hunger is worsening in Yemen, with Red Sea disruptions threatening food and fuel prices.

Sudan War & Civilian Harm: Drone strikes hit El-Obeid in North Kordofan, killing at least 10 as a dormitory and a shelter for displaced families were targeted, with the army and RSF both trading blame. Diplomacy for Sudan: US adviser Massad Boulos met UN envoy Pekka Haavisto to push peace efforts, including a proposed 90-day humanitarian ceasefire to open space for talks. Horn of Africa Spillover: Ethiopia’s offensive toward Mekelle intensifies as fighting spreads, while Ethiopia-Eritrea-Egypt ties collapse in tit-for-tat expulsions, raising fears the Sudan conflict could converge with a wider regional war. Regional Mediation: The UN chief António Guterres urged restraint amid growing Horn tensions, calling for dialogue as diplomatic relations break down. International Accountability: Human Rights Watch urged world leaders to defend the ICC and other accountability mechanisms amid crises including Sudan. Global Politics Watch: The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize race heats up, with the International Space Station and Sudan’s emergency response efforts among the mentioned contenders.

North Kordofan Frontline: Sudan’s army says it has taken full control of Al-Mazroub from the Rapid Support Forces, calling it a key move to cut RSF supply lines and open the road toward West Kordofan. Diplomatic Pressure on Khartoum: A report says Washington’s push for an unconditional Sudan ceasefire is backfiring, leaving little room for either side to exit and making a deal harder to reach. Bashir’s Medical Exit Fight: Ousted President Omar al-Bashir has been moved to a military hospital in Khartoum as his lawyers and family press for permission to seek treatment abroad. Ethiopia’s War Spills Into Politics: Fighting in Tigray is intensifying as Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt trade expulsions and embassy closures, raising fears the renewed conflict could widen across the Horn. AU Urges Restraint: The African Union calls on Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt to de-escalate and use dialogue to prevent further escalation. Regional Security Shock: Saudi Arabia alleges multiple Houthi attempts to target Mecca and Medina over nine years, including incidents reported in September 2026. Crime & Corruption Link: Kenyan police arrest 14 suspects in a fake currency and gold scam raid, including three serving officers, with foreigners among those held.

Sudan Peace Talks Clash: A Sudanese adviser to Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan rejected a proposed US 90-day ceasefire, warning it could lock in a “Libya-style” partition by preserving the RSF’s political future, and said the US visa issue for Burhan is tied to non-acceptance of the plan. Humanitarian Access: Sudan extended the Adre border crossing with Chad for three more months, keeping a key relief route open until Dec. 31, while saying it will work with the UN on monitoring to ensure aid reaches civilians. Bashir Health Update: Former president Omar al-Bashir was transferred to a military-run hospital in Khartoum for treatment, with his lawyer saying he needs further care abroad and urging Burhan to approve release on humanitarian grounds. Regional Shockwaves: Ethiopia and Eritrea escalated into a diplomatic break after explosions in Addis Ababa, with Ethiopia closing its Asmara embassy and expelling Eritrean diplomats—accusations also implicate Sudan in the wider Horn conflict.

Sudan-US Ceasefire Clash: Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan rejected US truce-linked conditions after Washington withheld his UN visa, warning it won’t accept “pressure or blackmail,” while a US ceasefire plan was criticized by a Burhan adviser as risking a Libya-style partition. Omar al-Bashir Medical Exit Fight: Ousted president Omar al-Bashir was moved to a military hospital in Khartoum for treatment, with his team saying he has preliminary approval to leave for care abroad—while his family disputes that any official authorization has been received. Civilian Protection and Access: Sudan extended the Adre border crossing with Chad for humanitarian aid for three more months to 31 December 2026. Regional Pressure on Sudan: UN officials warned that disruptions to fertilizer shipments through the Strait of Hormuz could deepen food insecurity, citing Sudan among countries heavily dependent on Gulf fertilizer supplies. War Crimes and Accountability: A Sudan Doctors Network report condemned an RSF-attributed drone attack on a university in El Obeid that killed at least five and injured dozens, calling for international action and accountability.

Sudan Peace Talks Under Fire: A US ceasefire proposal for Sudan’s war could push the country toward a Libya-style partition, an adviser to Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan warned, saying the plan ignores Sudan’s requested changes, including an internationally monitored RSF withdrawal from cities. Khartoum Medical Update: Former President Omar al-Bashir has been moved from Merowe to a Khartoum hospital for tests after symptoms of an “unknown” condition, with reports of possible travel abroad for advanced care still unconfirmed. UN and Accountability Pressure: Sudan’s chemical weapons allegations are again in the spotlight as rights groups urge the UN and OPCW to investigate claims involving the Sudan army. War and Governance Impact: Young Sudanese displaced by fighting are turning to entrepreneurship to survive, highlighting how the conflict is reshaping livelihoods and local economic life. Regional Security Context: As Red Sea risks rise with Houthi advances, Sudan’s strategic Red Sea role is increasingly tied to wider corridor security concerns.

Sudan Ceasefire Clash: A US proposal for a 90-day ceasefire and talks risks a “de facto partition” like Libya, Sudan’s army adviser Amjad Farid told Reuters, saying Washington ignored Sudan’s demand for an internationally monitored RSF withdrawal from urban areas. UN Accountability Push: Geneva-based rights reporting says both SAF and RSF have committed war crimes, renewing calls for Sudan’s army to face scrutiny, not just its rival. UAE Accusations: Sudan’s UN envoy accused the UAE of “bloodied partnership” with the RSF, alleging attacks on Sudan’s infrastructure and a wider campaign to undermine Khartoum. Somoud Lobbying: Former PM Abdalla Hamdok’s Somoud hired a US consultancy under FARA to boost media and political outreach as it seeks an end to the war. Regional Ripples: As Sudan’s conflict continues, Ethiopia’s renewed fighting and cross-border accusations involving Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt raise fears of wider instability across the Horn.

UAE–RSF Accusations at UN: Sudan’s foreign minister and UN envoy renewed calls to stop foreign interference, accusing the UAE of backing the Rapid Support Forces and worsening the humanitarian catastrophe, while rejecting any imposed “solutions” to the war. Chemical Weapons Claims: New reporting and UN-linked calls push for international investigation into alleged chlorine-based chemical weapons use in Sudan, with rights groups urging scrutiny of both responsibility and accountability. Diplomacy and Sovereignty Push: Sudan’s leadership used the UN General Assembly to demand an end to arms flows and to press for RSF disarmament and inclusive, Sudan-led dialogue. Regional Military-Technical Links: Sudan and Azerbaijan discussed stronger military-technical cooperation, signaling continued defense engagement beyond the immediate battlefield. Water and Humanitarian Strain: Reports highlight deepening water shortages and drought pressure, including thousands relying on a single exhausted well in North Darfur, as the war compounds food and health crises. Ethiopia Spillover Risk: Coverage warns Ethiopia’s renewed fighting and accusations involving Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt could widen Horn-of-Africa instability—raising stakes for Sudan’s security and borders. Sudanese Media Under Pressure: Sudanese journalist Haitham Osman was detained in Ethiopia, with the syndicate demanding release and legal access.

Sudan at UNGA: Sudan’s foreign minister used the UN General Assembly’s final day to demand an end to foreign interference and to call for RSF disarmament, while also accusing the US of blocking Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan’s visa. Regional diplomacy: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reaffirmed support for Sudan’s stability and sovereignty in calls with Burhan and the Transitional Sovereignty Council chair, linking aid to development and returns for displaced people. Conflict allegations: Sudan’s North Kordofan authorities accused the RSF of drone strikes on civilian facilities in El-Obeid, including sports and education sites, as Sudan’s war grinds on with major displacement and aid shortfalls. Ethiopia spillover risk: Ethiopia’s army chief renewed accusations that Sudan and Egypt back Tigray forces; Sudan and Egypt rejected the claims as fighting spreads into Afar and Amhara, raising fears of a wider Horn of Africa conflict. Humanitarian response: Qatar Charity delivered food baskets to tens of thousands displaced by fighting and by cyclone and heavy rains in North Kordofan.

Sudan UN diplomacy: Sudan’s Foreign Minister told the UN General Assembly that “foreign interference must end” and demanded the disarmament of the RSF, while also accusing the US of blocking Sovereignty Council chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s entry visa. Chemical weapons push: Human rights advocates at the UN Human Rights Council urged the UN and OPCW to send an independent mission to Sudan to investigate allegations of chlorine-based chemical weapons use. UAE mediation line: The UAE used its UNGA address to call for de-escalation, freedom of navigation, and an end to Sudan’s war via an immediate ceasefire and a civilian-led political process excluding both warring parties and extremist groups. Regional spillover risk: As fighting intensifies in Ethiopia’s Tigray and nearby areas, Ethiopia’s army chief accused Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt of backing Tigray rebels; Sudan’s armed forces rejected the claims as baseless, raising fears of wider Horn of Africa escalation.

Sudan–Ethiopia Tensions: Ethiopia’s army chief accused Sudan (and Egypt, Eritrea) of backing Tigray rebels as fighting spreads beyond Tigray; Khartoum rejected the claims as “baseless” and counter-accused the RSF of receiving support from within Ethiopia, with drone activity also in the mix. Ceasefire Pressure vs Defiance: Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan vowed to press on against the RSF despite a US visa snub tied to efforts for a three-month truce, while strikes hit Sudanese cities including a drone attack on a fuel depot near Wad Madani and explosions in Nyala. Alleged RSF Drone Strikes on Civilians: North Kordofan authorities accused the RSF of hitting civilian facilities in El-Obeid, including sports and education sites, calling it a violation of international humanitarian law. Regional Humanitarian Fallout: UN-linked reporting highlights displacement and worsening conditions across the region, with Ethiopia’s renewed Tigray fighting displacing tens of thousands and raising fears of a broader crisis that compounds Sudan’s own catastrophe. UN Diplomacy & Accountability: As UNGA81 ends, debates over legitimacy, sovereignty, and external pressure continue to shape Sudan’s political narrative, alongside calls for probes and stronger protection for civilians.

Sudan–US Tensions: Khartoum’s leadership doubled down after Washington withheld UN access tied to legitimacy concerns, with army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan rejecting “pressure or blackmail” and vowing to keep fighting the RSF. Frontline Strikes: Witnesses reported drone and mortar attacks hitting fuel depots near Wad Madani and explosions in Nyala, underscoring how the war keeps targeting logistics and civilian supply lines. Ethiopia Accusations: Sudan’s army rejected Ethiopia’s claim that Khartoum backs opposition groups, while both sides trade warnings about cross-border support and drone activity. Humanitarian Fallout: UNHCR says Sudanese fleeing to eastern Chad have surged to over 400 people a day as aid funding falls far short, raising fears of further onward displacement. War Economy & Illicit Gold: Analysis highlights how illegal gold trading thrives amid state collapse, fueling conflict networks in Sudan and other Sahel states. Regional Security Context: A wider Horn of Africa warning grows as Ethiopia’s renewed fighting threatens to spill across borders and complicate Red Sea stability. UNGA Backdrop: UN debates on reform and relevance continue, with Sudan’s war repeatedly framed as a test of whether the UN can stop conflicts rather than just stage diplomacy.

Sudan-US Visa Standoff: Sudan’s military chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan rejected U.S. “pressure” after Washington withheld his UN visa, saying Khartoum will not accept externally imposed solutions or an unconditional truce as a condition for travel. Humanitarian Reality Check: Despite the army’s push for returns, Khartoum’s returnees say life is still unlivable—power cuts, water shortages, rubble, and joblessness are driving families to leave again. War on the Ground: Strikes hit Sudanese cities as Burhan stays defiant, while the army continues operations against the RSF. Internal Accountability Push: The Defence Committee in Somalia (regional context) summoned its defence minister over cuts to soldiers’ and orphans’ allowances—highlighting how war budgets and governance decisions ripple into families. Regional Security Tensions: Ethiopia’s army chief accused Egypt and Sudan of backing armed groups against Abiy Ahmed as fighting spreads beyond Tigray, raising fears of wider instability. Blue Nile Child Labour: In Sudan’s Blue Nile, child labour is rising as displacement and economic collapse squeeze families, with limited funding for child protection.

Khartoum’s Return Reality Check: After the army recaptured Khartoum, about 2.7 million people have reportedly returned, but chronic power and water cuts, unemployment and shortages are pushing many families to leave again. US-Sudan Tensions: Sovereign Council chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan vowed Sudan “will not yield to pressure or blackmail” after the US withheld his UN visa, while UN chief Guterres said he was concerned the visa was not issued. Human Rights Scrutiny: A UN human-rights expert warned Sudan’s investigation committee is biased, with abuses documented mainly against RSF rather than the SAF. Sudan War and Chemical Weapons Calls: International experts renewed demands for an independent probe into alleged chemical weapons use in the Sudan conflict, warning against blame before proper investigations. Diplomacy and Maritime Stakes: Sudan’s maritime boundary push with Saudi Arabia is drawing sovereignty concerns as parliament remains absent, raising questions about constitutional mandate. UNGA Pressure on War Parties: US envoy Massad Boulos said Washington is using a pressure toolkit to end the war, including expanding the arms embargo and pushing a civilian track.