AGP Executive Report

Sudan Humanitarian Crisis: UN Women says women and girls in al-Obeid face drone attacks by day and rape and harassment by night when they go out for water, as food and health services run short and fighting between SAF and RSF traps civilians. Rights & Accountability: A Darfur victims’ group warns that over 6,000 African migrants—including about 3,000 Sudanese—are held in Benghazi detention centres, with deteriorating health and humanitarian conditions, including minors and women. War on the Ground: Sudan’s PM Kamil Idris claims SAF is nearing “total defeat” of RSF and foreign mercenaries, while UN reporting highlights a severe funding gap that leaves most displaced people without multi-sector help. Culture & Community: Tashkeel’s “Khali Balak Men RISO” exhibition celebrates risograph printing as a collaborative, experimental art practice running until Aug 21. Diaspora & Health: Nigeria’s diaspora doctors push for stronger health reforms, with Tinubu backing a framework to engage medical professionals abroad.

Humanitarian Relief: Kuwait’s charities kept up aid deliveries across Gaza, Yemen and parts of Africa, including infant formula for Gaza and food baskets for Sudanese refugees in Chad and Uganda. Sudan’s Gender-Based Violence: UN Women says women and girls in El Obeid face drone attacks while fetching water by day and rape and harassment at night, with cholera risks rising as services collapse. War and Aid Gaps: UN OCHA reports Sudan’s humanitarian appeal is only 39% funded, reaching about 11 million people in the first half of the year while over 14 million are displaced and just 1.7 million get multi-sector help. Khartoum vs RSF Claims: Sudan’s PM Kamil Idris says SAF is near total defeat of RSF and foreign mercenaries, urging peace talks backed by major regional and UN partners. Rights and Accountability: Human Rights Watch and FairSquare urge Manchester mayoral candidates to condemn UAE abuses tied to alleged support for RSF. Culture & Print: Tashkeel’s “Khali Balak Men RISO” celebrates risograph printing as a community art practice running until Aug 21. Digital Safety: Telegram removed accounts linked to a Hausa-language CSAM network after a HumAngle investigation.

Mandela Day & Compassion Call: On Mandela International Day, the UN highlighted “67 minutes” of service as a reminder to fight poverty and inequity amid rising conflict and inequality. Khartoum War Update: PM Kamil Idris said Sudan’s armed forces are near “total defeat” of RSF, calling the conflict external aggression and urging a UN-backed peace push. Humanitarian Alarm: UN agencies warn Sudan’s response is badly underfunded—only 39% covered—while 14+ million people remain displaced and multi-sector aid reaches just 1.7 million. El Obeid Gender Violence: UN Women says women and girls in al-Obeid face drone attacks on water sources by day and rape and harassment at night, with cholera risk rising as rainy season peaks. Local Security Concern: AFP reports growing worry that pro-army militias could become a threat to the army itself as their power and weapons expand. War’s Health Toll: Reports also flag cholera and damaged water infrastructure in besieged areas, with children among the casualties.

Gender-Based Violence & Water Access in El Obeid: UN Women says women and girls in Sudan’s al-Obeid face drone attacks by day and rape and harassment at night when they fetch water, with “no safe window” to collect it; the agency also warns cholera risk is rising as rainy season approaches, while women-led services are being cut back as aid shrinks. Ebola Surge in Congo: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has passed 1,000 deaths in just over two months, with infections rising faster than the 2014/2016 epidemic pace, renewing pressure on vaccines, treatment trials, and outbreak response. Sudan Returns Home, But Crisis Deepens: IOM reports nearly 4.65 million displaced people have returned to areas inside Sudan, but millions remain internally displaced and children make up over half of those affected. UN Leadership Race: Senegal’s Macky Sall and other candidates for UN secretary-general vow to restore trust in the UN amid financial strain and criticism over conflict response. Culture Spotlight—Henna in Sudan: A feature highlights henna as community and heritage, including Sudanese filmmaker Basma Khalifa’s view of the ritual as connection that lasts beyond the temporary stain.

Sudan Returns Home: The UN migration agency IOM says nearly 4.65 million displaced Sudanese have returned to their home areas across 74 localities, while 8.69 million still remain internally displaced; children make up 55% of the displaced and 50% of returnees, and the agency links the rise to improved security as the Sudanese army regained control in parts of Khartoum, Sennar and Al-Jazirah. US-Sudan Pressure: The US imposed new sanctions on Sudan’s military-backed government over alleged chemical weapons use, tightening export controls and blocking most US goods and technology, with limited humanitarian and other exemptions. Human Rights Watch on Lawmakers: HRW urges the US Congress to pass Sudan-focused legislation, saying proposed bills could help respond to abuses by both RSF and SAF, including sexual violence and alleged ethnic cleansing, and should go further on accountability. War’s Civilian Cost: Reports warn of worsening conditions for civilians, including fears of a new siege in El Obeid as drone strikes hit infrastructure and water supplies. Culture & Diplomacy: In Qatar, the EU and Italian creative agency Zerohundred are using a community-facing platform to bring diplomacy into everyday life—an idea that resonates for Sudan’s own culture-and-peace conversations. Arts Spotlight: Sudan is among 16 African countries represented in Addis Ababa’s “Unity” exhibition tied to the first World Public Summit Africa, highlighting contemporary art as a shared cultural bridge.

Sudan Security & Daily Life: Sudan’s capital Khartoum is seeing a major anti-crime push, with police arresting 2,000+ people across multiple districts as authorities try to restore order after months of fighting. War’s Human Cost: UNICEF reports drone attacks in North Kordofan killed at least six people, including two children, and injured 26+ others, with markets and water sources repeatedly hit. Militias & Fear of a Repeat Cycle: A new AFP report warns that as the army relies on a coalition of militias, civilians fear the “same old mistakes” and a future split among armed allies. Culture & Identity in Conflict: The İstanbul Photo Awards highlighted Sudan-related storytelling, including a prize-winning photo series on Nuba wrestling as cultural survival amid war. Regional Context: The UN says Gaza hunger has improved but remains fragile—an example of how access and fighting levels can quickly swing humanitarian outcomes.

Sudan War & Civilians: UNICEF says a drone strike on a market in Al-Rahad, North Kordofan killed at least six, including two children, and injured over 26—another reminder that everyday places are being hit. Darfur Water Under Attack: A separate drone strike in North Darfur’s Tina region targeted a vital water hub, killing at least 21 civilians and injuring dozens, as fighting intensifies around the last army stronghold. Public Health Alarm: Sudan’s health ministry reports suspected cholera cases in North Kordofan, West Kordofan, South Darfur and Khartoum, while a Blue Nile civil society group calls for a full public health emergency over fast-spreading dengue. Natural Resources & Conflict: The UN chief and the WTO warn that booming demand for critical minerals is fueling violence and poverty, pointing to Sudan’s resource-linked war economy and displacement. Culture & Community: In the UK, a weekly pop-up café in Blackburn, run by Tastes of Home, is bringing Sudanese and other communities together through food and stories. Faith & Safety: A Sudan-linked spiritual debate is sparked by “celebrity exorcists” going public—some church leaders argue exorcism should stay private.

Public Health Alert in Blue Nile: A Sudanese civil society group in Blue Nile is urging a full-state public health emergency over a fast-spreading dengue outbreak, saying about 4,000 suspected cases have been recorded and treatment costs are rising, while displaced families face worsening water and shelter conditions. Disease Watch Across Sudan: Sudan also reported suspected cholera cases in North Kordofan, West Kordofan, South Darfur and Khartoum, alongside a decline in measles infections. Drone Strike in North Darfur: At least 21 civilians were killed and dozens injured in a drone attack on a water hub in Tina, North Darfur, with accusations that the strike targeted basic services. Sudan Relief on the Ground: In el-Obeid, local groups are setting up emergency response rooms as the city faces mounting pressure from the war, with civilians struggling to access basic services. Culture & Community (Diaspora-style): A women-led community garden project is helping refugees and residents grow food and build social support, using green space to lower cultural barriers. Travel Rules for Sudanese: Lebanon has listed Sudan among 13 African countries eligible for a one-month tourist visa on arrival, but entry depends on strict proof of return travel, accommodation and sufficient funds. Church & Peace: Pope Leo XIV renewed calls for nuclear disarmament and peace in a new book foreword, while U.S. Catholics are urged to support the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa.

El-Obeid Relief Under Fire: Local groups in Sudan’s el-Obeid are running emergency response rooms as drone strikes and explosions hit civilians, with UN and US warnings that an RSF ground attack could trigger mass atrocities. Sudan’s Cost of Living: Inflation is accelerating again, with food and transport driving prices higher and education costs spiking after fee revisions. North Kordofan Chemical Weapons Claim: RSF-aligned Tasees accuses the Sudanese Armed Forces of using internationally banned chemical weapons in an air strike on Umm Garfa; the claims can’t be independently verified. Regional Pressure for Peace: Kenya calls for urgent coordinated mediation to end the Sudan conflict, warning that continued fighting is worsening displacement and instability across the Horn. Jobs for Displaced People: A Nairobi forum on decent work and forced displacement brings together regional governments and unions to tackle employment barriers for refugees and internally displaced people. US Policy Watch: A US judge temporarily blocks Trump’s plan to strip work permits from asylum seekers and TPS holders, while US foreign aid is reported to be plunging. Church & Peace Funding: US Catholics are urged to support the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa, tied to Pope Leo XIV’s push for peace and reconciliation.

Sudan Humanitarian Update: UN says violence in Sudan keeps imperiling civilians and driving displacement, with acute food insecurity worsening in North Kordofan and urgent shelter needs in South Darfur; the Sudan appeal is under 39% funded. Health & Nutrition Funding: WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean office is appealing for $6.42m to sustain lifesaving health and nutrition services across Somalia, Sudan and Djibouti, including outbreak detection and nutrition screening. War’s Daily Toll: Reports highlight ongoing displacement and hunger in Sudan, including El Obeid and other hotspots where basic services are strained. Culture & Identity: Sudanese singer and oud player Sulaf brings Nubian-rooted folk sounds to Ireland’s Skibbereen Arts Festival, sharing how war displaced her family and shaped her music. Gender & Safety: Coverage also points to Sudan’s continuing gender-based violence during the civil war, keeping women’s safety at the center of the conversation. Migration & Aid Pressure: Separate reporting notes UNHCR funding and political pressure in the US, a reminder of how refugee protection can be hit when global priorities shift.

Hamas Leadership: Khalil al-Hayya has been elected head of Hamas’s political bureau, succeeding Yahya Sinwar after a run-off vote, with Hayya expected to formally assume the role next week; he’s known for leading Gaza ceasefire and prisoner-exchange talks and for maintaining ties abroad. Sudan Accountability: A Sudanese government report says it has “conclusive evidence” linking the UAE to war crimes and plans to sue the UAE and RSF, while the ICC deputy prosecutor warns of urgent action over abuses and a possible imminent attack on El Obeid. El Obeid Crisis: With fighting around North Kordofan’s capital worsening, UN-linked reporting highlights the scale of displacement and hunger, and renewed calls to hold external backers accountable. Health & Nutrition Funding: WHO is appealing for $6.42m to keep lifesaving services running across Somalia, Sudan and Djibouti amid food insecurity and outbreaks. Regional Security Spillover: Nigeria’s Operation Hadin Kai reports arrests of a Sudanese suspect and a Ghanaian woman in Borno, underscoring cross-border counter-terrorism pressure. Culture & Community: London’s Horniman Museum is set for “Haflah at the Horniman,” a SWANA summer celebration featuring Sudan among other cultures through music, food and storytelling.

Sudan War & Humanitarian Crisis: WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean office is urgently seeking $6.42 million to keep health and nutrition services running across Somalia, Sudan and Djibouti, warning funding gaps are forcing closures and weakening outbreak response. Gender & Peace: UN Women highlights how women are still shut out of formal peace talks, noting that in Sudan “not a single Sudanese woman” took part in negotiations—despite research linking women’s participation to more durable agreements. Women’s Safety in Wartime: UNFPA reports women and girls are bearing the heaviest burden in Sudan’s displacement crisis, with pregnant women often giving birth without basic care amid collapsing services and attacks on civilians. Culture Under Fire: Khartoum’s National Museum is described as a battlefield aftermath—filled with weapons and damaged by RSF occupation—showing how war is destroying Sudan’s heritage. Everyday Terror from the Sky: A report from El-Obeid captures how drone strikes are reshaping civilian life, turning routine errands into lethal moments. Regional Security Spillover: Nigeria’s Operation HADIN KAI says it arrested a Sudanese man suspected of foreign terrorist links and a Ghanaian woman claiming illegal immigration in Borno, underscoring cross-border tensions.

Coastal Migration Crackdown: Sudan’s coastal security in Sirte says it seized 55 people preparing to reach Europe, including Egyptians, Djiboutians, Somalis, Sudanese, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis, with legal steps promised. Gender-Based Violence Spotlight: UNFPA warns Sudan’s war is driving a worsening humanitarian crisis where women and girls face heightened risks, from unsafe childbirth to blocked access to health care in Kordofan, Blue Nile and White Nile. Tragic Desert Deaths: South Darfur officials report 33 travelers—mostly women and children—were found dead after a vehicle broke down in the northern desert, with a teacher among the victims and her children. Humanitarian Alarm: UN officials describe Sudan’s situation as “tragic,” as displacement camps struggle with overcrowding and shortages. Culture & Activism: Actress Jenifer Lewis urges celebrities to stop silence on global suffering, naming Sudan among the places people shouldn’t ignore. FGM Risk Ahead of Travel: Dutch experts warn summer trips could put 2,600 girls at risk of female genital mutilation, including girls from Sudan and other African communities. War’s Impact on Children: A new exhibition explores how conflict reshapes children’s lives, with Sudan included among the featured war zones.

Sudan Lifestyle & Daily Life: Khartoum’s war-hit transport crisis is squeezing everyday life, with rising fares, fewer working vehicles, damaged roads, and longer commutes forcing families to choose between travel and basics like food, medicine, and schooling. Women’s Rights & Health: A new legal push against female genital mutilation highlights how the risk follows girls into migration routes too, with experts warning that thousands of girls in Europe—including communities linked to Sudan—face heightened danger during summer travel. Community & Safety: Somalia’s Interior Ministry urged an end to fighting and hate-inciting acts in Lower Shabelle, calling on elders, religious scholars, and civil society to steer disputes toward dialogue. Culture & Identity: A spotlight on Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” revival points audiences back to Greek classics and myth—an easy cultural bridge for readers who love stories with roots. Youth & Peacebuilding: In Ethiopia, Tigray activists staged calls to stop abductions and forced recruitment, demanding full implementation of the Pretoria peace deal.

Sudan Lifestyle & Daily Life: Khartoum’s transport crisis is squeezing daily life for residents—rising fares, fewer operating vehicles, damaged roads, and long waits are forcing families to choose between commuting and essentials like food, medicine, and education. Human Rights & Protection: A new warning on genital mutilation risk highlights how summer travel can endanger girls in Europe, including those from Sudanese and other African communities. War, Displacement & Health: Reports on Sudan-linked humanitarian strain keep surfacing, including concerns about basic services and the toll on displaced families. Culture & Identity: A child-led UK anthology spotlights Sudanese family traditions through a young author’s story inspired by visits to relatives in Egypt. Regional Context: Climate-driven displacement is rising fast across countries that include Sudan, adding pressure to already fragile communities.

Sudan Lifestyle & Daily Life: Khartoum commuters are paying the price of war—rising fares, fewer working vehicles, damaged roads, and longer routes are squeezing families already struggling with food, medicine, and education. Tigray Peace & Human Impact: In Addis Ababa, TPLF-linked protests and counter-claims are intensifying around the Pretoria Agreement, with leaders alleging forced conscription, abductions, and reversed gains for civilians. Regional Security: Iran says it targeted US aircraft and facilities in Bahrain and elsewhere as the US and Iran trade strikes for a seventh night, while Jordan reports intercepting drones. Culture & Identity: A Palestinian gay man from the West Bank describes abuse by his family and fears deportation, highlighting how persecution can follow people across borders. Sports Travel & Borders: Spain’s 2010 World Cup star Joan Capdevila says his ESTA was denied due to past travel history, turning a football dream into a border fight. Women’s Aid Funding: UN Women warns cuts are pushing women’s organizations in crisis zones toward closure, threatening frontline support for survivors. Global Lifestyle Note: A new film project, Crocodile, follows young Nigerian filmmakers navigating kidnapping-prone travel and volatile cities.