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Situation in Sudan (per 17 February)
- The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) made further gains against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum, including a bridge which connects the east part of the city to the south.
- RSF launched further attacks against the Zamzam displacement camp. The attacks started on Tuesday and there have been several attacks since.
- At least seven people were killed and 40 injured, but the death toll could be higher, according to camp residents. RSF blocked people from escaping the camp and burned buildings.
- The UN reported that two humanitarian workers were killed in the camp.
- Three children were killed by unexploded ordnance in the Blue Nile state.
Situation in South Sudan (per 17 February)
- Fighting broke out in the town of Nasir between South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) officers and armed civilians. SSPDF stated that at least 10 soldiers were killed and 21 others injured.
- Earlier reports also noted at least 10 civilians injured.
- An explosion at an army armory at Malual-Chat Military barrack in Bor town killed a 14-year old girl.
- At least three people were killed when a vehicle was ambushed by unknown armed men in the Turalei area of Warrap State.
- The Afreximbank reportedly sued the South Sudanese Government for defaulting on $657 million in debt. The Egypt-based Afreximbank is seeking to recover funds it provided under three separate agreements with the government of South Sudan in 2019.
Situation in Ethiopia (per 17 February)
- The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has suspended the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) party from all political activities for three months. The decision was taken due to the failure of the TPLF to comply with NEBE’s directives regarding internal organizational procedures.
- The TPLF was required to hold a general assembly by 10 February.
- TPLF rejected the suspension, stating it has no legal significance. This is because TPLF states it requested restoration of its legal position based on the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, and not, as NEBE argues, per 9 August 2024.
- Envoys from the US, the UK, Italy, Germany, France, and the European Union visited the Tigray region on 11 February. They stated that the return of displaced people should be the key priority.
- The delegations also discussed the political situation in Tigray, which is tense following the TPLF split.
- Fighting continues in several parts of the Amhara region; drone strikes continue to target residential areas. A drone strike in the Ambasel district, South Wollo Zone, Amhara region, killed three children and their aunt.
- Another drone strike in the Zenbo Kebele, Efratana Gidim district, North Shewa Zone, killed three people, including a pregnant mother and her young daughter. Residents state that the strikes are likely by the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), meant for Fano militia.
Situation in Somalia (per 17 February)
- Nearly 100 soldiers and militants were killed in an attack by the Islamic State on a military base in Puntland. The attack took place in the Togga Jacel area of the Cal Miskaad mountains.
- Somali authorities state at least 27 Puntland soldiers and 70 Islamic State militants died in the attack with car bombs and suicide motorbikes, and gunbattle that followed. The death toll could be higher.
- UNOCHA warns that drought conditions are looming once again in Somalia, due to prolonged conditions of extreme drought. The rains from October to December performed poorly and conditions are already growing dire in certain areas, states OCHA.
International Situation (per 17 February)
- Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef Al-Sharif went to Russia for a three-day official visit last week.
- Al-Sharif confirmed that the plan for Russia to establish a naval base in Sudan will go ahead. The deal signed in 2020 remains valid, states the minister.
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia is ready to work with international partners in order to stabilize the situation in Sudan, Russian media reported.
- The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is planning to let go of 2,000 staff members due to the suspension of USAID funding. This is roughly a quarter of the staff. The brunt of the layoffs are expected to be on national staff.
- The High-Level Humanitarian Conference for the People of Sudan took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, last week.
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres appealed for $6 billion in funds needed to support Sudanese civilians inside and outside of Sudan.
- The 38th African Union Summit took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, over the weekend. H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf was elected as the incoming Chairperson of the African Union Commission. The conflicts in Sudan and the DRC were also on the agenda.
- A joint letter by 103 NGOs urges the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to keep up the pressure for accountability in South Sudan.
- The letter calls for the adoption of a strong resolution addressing the human rights abuses in South Sudan in the upcoming 24 February – 4 April session, and for the extension of the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan (CHRSS) mandate.
- The Eritrean Ministry of Information accuses international media of a ‘smear campaign’. An article published on the ministry’s website accuses foreign experts of unfairly targeting the country.
Links of interest
Sudan army retakes more of capital Khartoum from RSF
Sudan: RSF must stop attacks on famine-stricken Zamzam camp
‘Unexploded shell’ blast kills three children in Sudan
Bor army armory explosion leaves girl dead, several injured
10 soldiers killed in South Sudan attack: army
Civilians flee Nasir amid heavy fighting
Three killed in Mayom County road ambush
TPLF rejects NEBE’s suspension, calls decision ‘legally insignificant’
Drone strike in Amhara’s Ambasel district kills three children, aunt amid escalating clashes
Scores dead as Islamic State attacks military base in Somalia
Today’s top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Egypt, Lebanon, Somalia
Afreximbank reportedly sues South Sudan for ‘defaulting’ on $657m debt
Sudan says plan for first Russian naval base in Africa will go ahead
Russia ready to support efforts to stabilize situation in Sudan – Lavrov
Danish Refugee Council announces “emergency termination” of staff
CPJ, 102 partners call for continued human rights scrutiny of South Sudan
African Union Summit opens as conflicts rage on the continent
The Longstanding and Unwarranted Smear Campaign Against Eritrea
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.