Europe External Programme with Africa is a Belgium-based Centre of Expertise with in-depth knowledge, publications, and networks, specialised in issues of peacebuilding, refugee protection, and resilience in the Horn of Africa. EEPA has published extensively on issues related to the movement and/or human trafficking of refugees in the Horn of Africa and on the Central Mediterranean Route. It cooperates with a wide network of universities, research organisations, civil society, and experts from Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, and across Africa. The Situation Reports can be found here. To receive the situation report in your e-mail, click here. You can unsubscribe at any moment through the link at the bottom of each e-mail.
Situation in Sudan (per 3 February)
- An explosion at the Sabreen market in Omdurman on Saturday killed at least 56 people and injured over 150 others. The attack was attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). RSF denies this.
- 75 people were killed in El Fasher on Saturday following airstrikes that hit a transport hub and areas of Kutum and Shangli Tobai, according to the Sudanese Doctors’ Syndicate.
- 13 were killed and 36 wounded in Nyala in air and ground attacks on Saturday.
- 13 civilians were killed in an air raid by the Sudanese Air Force on the Al-Hamra Al-Bir mine in North Darfur on Wednesday 29 January. Dozens of others were injured. The mine works on gold prospecting.
- 11 people were killed in the latest round of shelling of the Abou Shouk displacement camp north of El Fasher, North Darfur, by RSF artillery. 11 more were injured. RSF rockets also hit the city of El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, resulting in an unknown number of casualties.
- 6 people were killed by Sudanese Air Force aerial bombings targeting two neighbourhoods in the Manawashi area of South Darfur state. In addition, Al-Koma in North Darfur was bombed last week; it is unknown if any people were killed.
- The UN Human Rights Office has verified information that at least 18 civilians have been executed around the Al Jaili oil refinery in north Khartoum. The killings are attributed to Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and allied forces.
- The killings took place after SAF took control of the area on 25 January. All the persons killed originated from the Darfur or Kordofan regions of Sudan.
- The Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum) is reportedly facing divisions over whether to establish a government in exile. Proponents argue that it would provide a legitimate civilian alternative to the government, and opponents argue it could fragment the coalition and weaken neutrality.
Situation in South Sudan (per 3 February)
- Armed conflicts are escalating between pastoralists and settled communities in Eastern Equatoria state. Conflict in Magwi county has reportedly led to retaliatory fighting in Agoro, Chomboro, Obama and Ayiii villages.
- At least 35 people were killed on 31 January in a raid on Dinka Bor cattle camps, stated a community leader. 11,000 cattle were taken. This has led to counter-attacks.
Situation in Ethiopia (per 3 February)
- The Tigray Interim Administration (TIA) introduced legislation which would allow the Ethiopian federal government to intervene in the region in case of deterioration of security or a request by the regional administration, states the Ethiopian Reporter.
- The regulation also recognises the regional, zonal and woreda cabinets that were established in the 2020 elections. TIA officials state that the regulation restores the powers of regional councils and executive bodies. TIA President Getachew Reda denies the report.
- Approximately 85,000 people are being evacuated from Oromia and Afar due to seismic activity. Furthermore, the original evacuation sites have been deemed unsafe and are being moved.
Situation in Eritrea (per 3 February)
- The Eritrean government party People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ) organised a congress on 25 January in Germany. The event was held with involvement of PFDJ sub-branches in Germany, as well as the Eritrean embassy in Germany.
- A PFDJ event was also held in Saudi Arabia, according to the Eritrean Ministry of Information.
Regional Situation (per 3 February)
- At least eight civilians were reportedly killed in a drone strike in the Afar Regional State, near the Ethiopia-Djibouti border. The drone strike has been attributed to the Djibouti government.
- The Djibouti government has allegedly been launching drone strikes against the Djiboutian opposition group Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy (FRUD) in the Afar region. However, human rights organisations accuse Djibouti of deliberately targeting Afar civilians.
- The Somali government states that key figures of the Islamic State were killed in airstrikes in Puntland supported by the US. In addition, a senior IS commander was reportedly captured.
International Situation (per 3 February)
- The freezing of humanitarian aid by the Trump administration in the United States is heavily impacting Sudan. Many organisations funded by US aid have been forced to shut down. Aid groups received e-mails ordering them to stop working.
- UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk responded with deep alarm to the reports of executions of civilians by SAF and allied forces in Khartoum North. He warned that the killing of civilians constitutes a war crime.
- Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki met with an African Union delegation led by Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). According to the Eritrean Minister of Information, they discussed “challenges and future plans” of the AU.
- Switzerland has decided to end aid to Eritrea over Eritrea’s refusal to take back asylum seekers whose asylum claim in Switzerland was rejected.
- President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El Sisi met with Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, who is currently visiting Cairo.
- Russia added among others Ethiopia to its list of countries eligible for currency trading.
- Dr Albaqir Mukhtar, celebrated human rights advocate from Sudan, passed away on 23 January due to an illness. Many are remembering Dr Mukhtar and celebrating his achievements.
Links of interest
Hundreds killed, wounded in Darfur airstrikes, ground attacks
Debate over parallel government divides Taqaddum
Attack on South Sudan cattle camps kills 35, community leader says
Tigray Admin introduces legislation paving way for federal intervention
Ethiopia: Flash Update #5 – Seismic Situation in Afar and Oromia (as of 31 January 2025)
PFDJ Branch in Germany Holds Second Congress
Somali government confirms ‘key’ Islamic State figures killed in US airstrike
How the World Is Reeling From Trump’s Aid Freeze
Sudan: UN Human Rights Chief alarmed by summary executions in Khartoum North
Swiss development aid to Eritrea is cut after asylum tensions
Egyptian President discusses Horn of Africa developments with Djibouti Foreign Minister
Russia adds Nigeria, Tunisia, and Ethiopia in currency trading list
Prayers for Sudan: A Tribute to Albaqir Al-Afif Mukhtar
Disclaimer: All information in this Situation Report is presented as a fluid update report, as to the best knowledge and understanding of the authors at the moment of publication. EEPA does not claim that the information is correct but verifies to the best of ability within the circumstances. Publication is weighed on the basis of interest to understand potential impacts of events (or perceptions of these) on the situation. Check all information against updates and other media. EEPA does not take responsibility for the use of the information or impact thereof. All information reported originates from third parties and the content of all reported and linked information remains the sole responsibility of these third parties. Report to info@eepa.be any additional information and corrections.