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 Tigray (per 24 March)
- Eight survivors of the two-year Tigray war have filed a criminal complaint with the German Federal Public Prosecutor, accusing twelve high-ranking Ethiopian and Eritrean officials of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
- This groundbreaking action has been prepared in a joint collaboration with multiple legal experts and was submitted by the complainants’ representatives Legal Action Worldwide (LAW).
- The survivors, who have witnessed severe human rights violations, are seeking justice through this complaint, which aims to leverage Germany’s universal jurisdiction to hold perpetrators accountable for the atrocities committed during the 2020-2022 conflict.
- The Tigray Bureau of Peace and Security has denounced what it calls a “coordinated defamation campaign”, following accusations from the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) against Brigadier General Migbie Haile, a senior member of Tigray Defence Forces (TDF).
- The ENDF accused Brig. Gen. Haile on Friday of being a longstanding instigator of conflict who led the Tigrayan people into war, alleging he attempted to attack federal forces, and engaged in gold smuggling for personal profit. The Bureau dismissed the ENDF’s claims as unfounded and harmful to peace efforts.
- Brig. Gen. Haile has been among senior military leaders advocating for the restructuring and dissolution of the Tigray Interim Regional Administration (TIRA), aligning with the Debretsion Gebremichael faction of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
- Illegal mining activities in Tigray are reportedly increasing despite a recent order from the TIRA to suspend all mining operations due to significant environmental concerns.
- Although a task force has been established to audit the regional Mining Bureau and enforce the ban, according to The Reporter’s sources the order is not being effectively implemented.
- As security officers are reportedly involved in the mining operations, it is raising doubts about the task force’s ability to enforce compliance and conduct a legitimate audit of the situation.
Situation in Sudan (per 24 March)
- The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) announced they have gained full control of the presidential palace in Khartoum, although the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) claimed they are still active in the area of the palace and launched several attacks against army soldiers.
- Over the weekend, SAF further stated to have strengthened its control over the capital by reclaiming several key government buildings, including the headquarters of the National Intelligence Service and the Central Bank.
- The military reported significant casualties among RSF fighters during their retreat.
- RSF reportedly seized the strategic city of Al-Maliha in North Darfur from the SAF and their allied groups, hindering SAF’s efforts to support their besieged troops in El Fasher.
- UNICEF condemned the recent looting of essential humanitarian supplies, including 2,200 cartons of ready-to-use therapeutic food, from Al Bashair Hospital in Khartoum, emphasizing that this theft endangers thousands of malnourished children and mothers amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
- El Geneina, West Darfur, has seen an influx of over 10,000 families fleeing from Khartoum and Al-Jazeera state, attributing the new wave of displacement to the lack of assistance from humanitarian organisations due to the freeze of the USAID programmes.
Situation in Ethiopia (per 24 March)
- ENDF reported the deaths of 317 and 125 injured Fano fighters during two days of renewed clashes in the Amhara region, claiming that Fano had launched attacks before being defeated. Fano representatives disputed the military’s casualty figures, asserting that far fewer fighters had died.
- The Ethiopian government has raised the retail price of gasoil by 11% to 112.67 birr, with diesel and kerosene prices also increasing by 9% to 107.93 birr, effective yesterday, marking the second price adjustment in less than three months.
- This price hike occurs amid a severe fuel shortage across the country, forcing many drivers to turn to the black market.
Regional Situation (per 24 March)
- A fire at the Um Rakuba refugee camp in Sudan on 20 March resulted in the death of a six-year-old child and injuries to another, while also causing significant property damage in a camp. The camp has been hosting thousands of Tigray refugees displaced since the Tigray war.
- An attack by a suspected Al-Shabaab group on a National Police Reservists camp in northeastern Kenya resulted in the deaths of six and injuries of four police officers in Garissa County, close to the Somali border. In response to the assault, authorities have ramped up security operations in the region.
- Severe impacts of funding shortages on child malnutrition efforts in Ethiopia and Nigeria threatens to leave approximately 1.3 million children under five without access to treatment for severe acute malnutrition, stated UNICEF’s Deputy Executive Director Kitty van der Heijden.
International Situation (per 24 March)
- The German Foreign Office announced the temporary closure of its embassy in Juba, South Sudan, due to a resurgence of violence that threatens the stability of the country.
- German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated on X that “after years of fragile peace, South Sudan is once again on the brink of civil war,” adding country leaders are responsible for exacerbating the situation and urged them to halt the violence and adhere to the peace agreement.
- Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi welcomed Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh for a bilateral visit over the weekend.
- The delegations held discussions focused on enhancing regional stability, and security in the Red Sea, stressing that coastal nations should take the lead in these initiatives and dismissing the participation of landlocked countries.
Links of interest
Victims of the Tigray conflict file the first-ever criminal complaint in Germany
Tigray Peace and Security Bureau defends senior general against accusations by fed. Army
Illicit mining surges in Tigray despite administrative freeze order
Sudan’s army says it has retaken Khartoum presidential palace from paramilitary forces
Sudan’s army says it seized key buildings in Khartoum after retaking the Republican Palace
RSF captures strategic desert city in North Darfur
UNICEF condemns looting of lifesaving supplies for children in Sudan
نزوح 10 آلاف أسرة إلى الجنينة بغرب دارفور من الخرطوم والجزيرة
Ethiopia’s army claims to have killed 300 Fano fighters in renewed clashes
6 killed in suspected Al-Shabaab attack on police camp in Kenya
Sudanese army general threatens to attack Chadian airports
Egypt: President El-Sisi Meets Eritrea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs
Germany shuts South Sudan embassy amid civil war fears
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.