AGP Executive Report

Water & Livelihoods: In El Salha south of Omdurman, Nile retreat has left a main water station offline for a second week, forcing families to buy costly barrels or use brackish wells while authorities excavate a new channel to reach pump sites. War Finance & Environment: The EU moved to curb Sudan’s gold war economy by banning gold purchases, imports and transfers, and restricting mercury and cyanide exports used in mining—aimed at both trade flows and extraction. Hunger Pressure: WFP warns Sudan’s food crisis could deepen as conflict, funding gaps and higher farming costs hit the planting season, with millions facing emergency hunger levels. Justice & Atrocities: The ICC deputy prosecutor says investigations into El Geneina and El Fasher in Darfur have made progress, urging cooperation and calling for surrender of remaining fugitives. Public Health: WHO/UN data highlights measles outbreaks across 57 countries driven by low vaccination coverage, with 13.5 million children missing all vaccines in 2025. Governance & Aid Delivery: A Sudan-focused report argues paperwork and bureaucratic barriers are acting like a “silent weapon,” delaying humanitarian access in the world’s largest crisis.

Water & Livelihoods: In El Salha south of Omdurman, Nile retreat has left the main water station idle, stranding pumps above the waterline and forcing thousands to buy barrel water at up to SDG10,000 or use brackish wells; authorities are excavating a new channel to reconnect the intake and are gradually restarting pumping to nearby villages. Food Security: FEWS NET warns up to 23 million people could face acute hunger in 2026, with emergency conditions (IPC Phase 4) spreading across Darfur, Kordofan and parts of central/southern Sudan, and a real risk of famine in several North Darfur and Kordofan areas if fighting or sieges intensify. Sanctions & Environment: The EU has banned gold purchases, imports and transfers from Sudan and restricted mercury and cyanide exports used in gold mining—aimed at cutting conflict-linked war finance and the extraction pipeline. Humanitarian Access: A report highlights how Sudan’s aid delivery is slowed by paperwork and compliance barriers, turning administration into a “silent weapon” that delays life-saving assistance. Health & Resilience: UN/WHO data flags 13.5 million “zero-dose” children missing routine vaccines, a risk that could worsen outbreaks and undermine recovery in fragile settings.

EU Sanctions on Sudan’s Gold: The European Union has banned the purchase, import and transfer of Sudanese gold, and also restricted exports of mercury and cyanide used in gold mining—aimed at cutting war finance and extraction-linked resources. Food Security Warning: FEWS NET warns up to 23 million people in Sudan could face acute hunger in 2026, with emergency conditions (IPC Phase 4) spreading across Darfur, Kordofan and parts of central/southern Sudan, and famine risk rising in several North Darfur and Kordofan areas. Humanitarian Hunger Update: WFP says Sudan is sliding deeper into hunger as conflict, funding gaps and higher farming costs hit planting season, with 19.5 million acutely food insecure and over 100,000 still in famine-like conditions. Nile Water Politics (GERD): Egyptian claims over the GERD are rejected by Ethiopian voices and analysts as “information warfare,” with arguments centered on equitable use of the Abay River and Ethiopia’s right to hydropower. Vaccination Backslide: UN/WHO data highlights 13.5 million “zero-dose” children missing routine vaccines—progress is too slow and aid cuts could worsen outbreaks, a risk for Sudan’s already fragile health system. Sudan–Jordan Trade Push: Amman’s business chamber met Sudan’s ambassador to expand trade and investment, including logistics and reconstruction links.

EU Sanctions & Gold Trade: The EU has banned the purchase, import and transfer of Sudanese gold and also restricted mercury and cyanide exports used in gold mining, aiming to cut war finance and pressure conflict-linked extraction. Food Security Alarm: FEWS NET warns up to 23 million people in Sudan could face acute food insecurity in 2026, with IPC Phase 4 spreading across Darfur, Kordofan and parts of central/southern Sudan, and famine risk rising in several hotspots if fighting or sieges intensify. Humanitarian Access Under Strain: UN partners report intensified military activity near Gaza’s “Yellow Line” displacement sites, disrupting aid delivery including water and hygiene—another reminder of how conflict quickly derails basic services. Health Funding Pressure: UN/WHO warn 13.5 million children missed routine vaccines, with progress too slow to meet immunisation targets as aid cuts threaten gains. Sudan Diplomacy & Reconstruction: Jordan and Sudan discussed investment and reconstruction opportunities, while an India–Sudan “Medicine Corridor” roundtable pushed healthcare and pharma partnerships. Water Politics: An analyst says Ethiopia has the right to use the Abay River and accuses Egypt of “information warfare” over GERD. Community Environment Activism: A Nubian activist in Kenya highlights waste management and land rights through a women-led initiative, linking environmental action to long-term community wellbeing.

Food Security Watch: FEWS NET warns up to 23 million people in Sudan could face acute food insecurity in 2026, with IPC Phase 4 (Emergency) spreading across Darfur, Kordofan and parts of central and southern Sudan, and some areas at risk of IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe) if fighting escalates or sieges tighten. Sanctions & Environment: The EU moves to ban Sudan-linked gold purchases and also restricts mercury and cyanide exports used in gold mining—aiming to cut conflict funding while targeting the extraction pipeline. Water & Nile Politics: An analyst says Ethiopia has the right to use the Abay River and run GERD, while accusing Egypt of “information warfare” over the dam talks—an issue with major downstream water stakes. Waste & Environmental Justice: Nubian activist Malasen Hamida pushes women-led waste management and land rights work, linking environmental protection to long-term community survival. Regional Context: Coverage highlights how Red Sea and Horn of Africa conflicts are converging, with Sudan’s war deepening Gulf competition and instability.

Red Sea–Horn of Africa Power Shift: Analysis and reporting say Gulf states are tightening their grip on Red Sea routes and Horn ports through military deals, logistics investment, and diplomacy—while Sudan’s war is flagged as a key warning of how outside competition can deepen instability. El Obeid Siege and Atrocity Risk: An opinion piece argues the Rapid Support Forces’ strikes on water, power, and medical services in El Obeid mirror patterns seen elsewhere, raising fears of mass atrocities without urgent international action. Food Security Pressure: The World Bank warns global food systems are “fragile” despite adequate total supplies, citing higher fertiliser costs, supply-chain disruptions, and looming severe weather risks like an El Niño cycle. Water and Nile Basin Cooperation: Egypt reviewed Nile Basin projects and reiterated a $100m financing mechanism for priority studies and infrastructure, including water quality monitoring and groundwater wells. Sudan–Jordan Economic Talks: Jordan’s Amman Chamber met Sudan’s ambassador to push trade, logistics, and reconstruction ties, including plans to reactivate a business council and share investment data. Aid Tech for Sudan: Cloudera and Mercy Corps rolled out an AI tool for humanitarian reporting, citing use in Sudan for faster agricultural and food-security analysis. Cover Crops for Weed Control: A dryland farming brief highlights Kansas research that cover crops after wheat harvest can suppress weeds and support integrated weed management—relevant for resilience under harsh seasons.

El Obeid Siege and Water Collapse: Reports warn Sudan’s El Obeid is at risk of mass atrocities as Rapid Support Forces strikes hit water treatment, electricity and medical services, deepening a humanitarian crisis and echoing patterns seen in other Darfur/North Kordofan cities. Drought Pressure on Livestock: Across the region, drought conditions are forcing cattle producers to plan for feed shortages, with producers ordering hay early as rivers and creeks hit record lows. Weed Control After Harvest: New guidance highlights how cover crops can suppress weeds in no-till systems, but results depend on biomass, planting and termination timing—an approach aimed at reducing reliance on repeated herbicide use. Regional Water Cooperation: Egypt reviewed Nile Basin projects and reaffirmed a $100m financing mechanism for priority work like solar wells, water quality monitoring and forecasting—tying water security to development. Climate Action and Invasives: In the UK, Sudanese asylum seekers and environmental volunteers clear Himalayan balsam along the River Dee, showing how community support can restore habitats while building cohesion. Global Policy Context: A broader debate on UN reform and mediation models underscores how today’s conflicts strain older international security tools.

Monsoon Preparedness: Nepal’s disaster authority reviewed monsoon risk plans and issued heightened vigilance advisories, aiming to cut losses of life and property. Humanitarian Tech for Sudan: Cloudera and Mercy Corps rolled out an AI tool (VERA) to speed crisis research and reporting, with Sudan agriculture and food security analysis among early use cases. Nile Basin Water Cooperation: Egypt reviewed Nile Basin project progress and reaffirmed a $100m financing mechanism for priority works like solar groundwater wells, water-quality monitoring, and flood forecasting. Sudan Displacement and Education: A Sudanese student story from CAR’s Korsi camp highlights how war is derailing university futures and forcing families into painful choices about returning to conflict zones. Environment & Community Action: In the UK, Sudanese asylum seekers joined environmental volunteers to clear invasive Himalayan balsam along the River Dee, showing how climate action can build community ties. Desertification Warning: China’s “Green Great Wall” scientists issued a fresh warning on slowing progress against desert growth despite decades of work.

Nile Water Cooperation: Egypt reviewed Nile Basin project progress with partners and reaffirmed a $100m financing mechanism for priority work, including solar-powered groundwater wells, water quality monitoring, aquatic weed removal, and rainfall/flood forecasting—aimed at strengthening local institutions across the basin. Sudan Health Access: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) launched a week-long medical convoy in Sudan for 500 underprivileged patients, including 250 urology and GI endoscopy surgeries, with capacity-building for local clinicians and support from Sudan’s Federal Ministry of Health and Omdurman Teaching Hospital. Sudan War & Humanitarian Strain: UN Human Rights Council coverage included an urgent debate on the human rights situation in and around El Obeid, North Kordofan, as violence continues to disrupt civilian life and services. Climate Action & Biodiversity: In north Wales, Sudanese asylum seekers and environmental volunteers cleared invasive Himalayan balsam along the River Dee as part of climate action events—an example of community-led habitat restoration. Waterway Dispute Watch: A renewed focus on major river governance came via analysis of the Indus Waters Treaty’s safeguards, underscoring how shared-water rules can hold even during conflict.

Sudan Humanitarian Health: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) launched a week-long medical convoy in Sudan for urology and GI endoscopy, targeting 500 underprivileged patients with 250 surgeries, in partnership with Sudan’s Federal Ministry of Health and local hospitals in Khartoum. Sudan War & Rights: UN Human Rights Council coverage included an urgent debate on the human rights situation in and around El Obeid, North Kordofan, keeping Sudan’s civilian protection concerns in focus. Sudan Displacement & Education: Stories from Sudanese students in exile highlight how war is derailing education and futures, with young people trying to rebuild lives after displacement. Regional Power & Nile Security: A new analysis argues the Sudan war is now a stage for regional powers, with Egypt seeking to shape outcomes tied to Nile waters and border security. Climate-Smart Forestry (Africa): Uganda’s Adjumani district topped a climate-smart woodlots programme, boosting tree cover and timber supply in refugee-hosting areas—an example of environment-linked resilience.

Sudan War Crimes Probe: The ICC says investigators have secured “breakthrough” links between Rapid Support Forces leadership and systematic war crimes in Darfur, including civilian killings tied to the El Fasher siege—an investigative milestone that could shape future accountability. Humanitarian Health in Sudan: Qatar Red Crescent Society launched a week-long medical convoy in Sudan for 500 underprivileged patients, including 250 urology and GI endoscopy surgeries, with capacity-building for local clinicians. Regional Power & Water-Energy Links: Ethiopia took over chairmanship of the Eastern Africa Power Pool, aiming to deepen cross-border electricity integration—an energy move that also matters for Sudan’s wider Nile-region stability. Marine Pollution Monitoring: Scientists from 21 African countries met in Accra to harmonise microplastics monitoring protocols using nuclear and isotopic methods, targeting better data for coastal ecosystem protection. Climate-Smart Forests (Neighboring lesson): Uganda’s Adjumani district topped a climate-smart woodlots programme, boosting tree cover and sustainable timber supply in refugee-hosting areas.

Sudan War Crimes Probe: The ICC says it has “breakthrough evidence” linking Rapid Support Forces leadership to systematic war crimes in Darfur, including civilian killings tied to the El Fasher siege—an investigative milestone that could eventually bring suspects to court. Humanitarian Health Response: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) launched a week-long medical convoy in Sudan for 500 underprivileged patients, including 250 urology and GI endoscopy surgeries, with capacity-building for local teams. Climate & Pollution Monitoring: Scientists from 21 African countries—including Sudan—are meeting in Accra to harmonize microplastics monitoring protocols for coastal ecosystems, aiming for comparable data and stronger marine pollution policies. Regional Power & Water-Energy Links: Ethiopia took over chairmanship of the Eastern Africa Power Pool, pledging faster regional electricity integration—relevant for Sudan’s wider Nile and energy context. Drought & Forage Pressure (Regional Lesson): Drought planning guidance from North Dakota highlights how forage losses and heat stress can compound—useful for Sudan’s own pastoral and dryland risk management discussions.

Sudan War & Regional Power: A new analysis argues Sudan’s conflict is no longer just an army-vs-RSF fight, but a battlefield where Egypt and other regional networks back different ideological and security interests—shaping Khartoum’s survival and Nile-linked leverage. Humanitarian Health in Sudan: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) launched a week-long medical convoy in Sudan for 500 underprivileged patients, including 250 urology and GI endoscopy surgeries, with capacity-building for local teams at Omdurman Teaching Hospital. Justice for Atrocities: The ICC says investigators have reached a major investigative milestone, linking alleged RSF leadership to systematic war crimes in Darfur, with cases tied to civilian killings in el-Fasher and el-Geneina. Microplastics Monitoring: Scientists from 21 African countries, including Sudan, are meeting in Accra to harmonize coastal microplastics monitoring protocols using nuclear and isotopic techniques—aimed at comparable data and stronger marine pollution policy. Dialogue for Peace: A commentary pushes for intra-Sudanese dialogue as the most realistic route to sustainable peace, warning that exclusion-based deals will only prolong displacement and destruction. Environment & Livelihoods (Regional): Separate drought-forage guidance highlights how dry conditions can slash pasture growth and why supplemental forage planning matters for livestock—relevant to Sudan’s wider climate-stress food systems.

Human Rights Watch: The UN Human Rights Council’s 62nd session ended with 28 resolutions and 13 Universal Periodic Review adoptions, including an urgent debate on Sudan’s human rights situation around El Obeid, North Kordofan. Justice & Accountability: The ICC says investigators have secured “breakthrough” links between Rapid Support Forces leadership and systematic war crimes in Darfur, pointing to progress in cases tied to the El Fasher siege. Marine Pollution Monitoring: Scientists from 21 African countries met in Accra to harmonise microplastics monitoring protocols for coastal waters, aiming for comparable data to guide marine ecosystem protection; Sudan is among the participating states. Health Access in Conflict: Qatar Red Crescent Society launched a week-long medical convoy in Sudan for urology and GI endoscopy, supporting 500 patients and training local capacity with partners including Sudan’s Federal Ministry of Health and Omdurman Teaching Hospital. Environment & Land Use (Agri): A Kansas soil-health briefing highlights how cover crops after wheat harvest can suppress weeds in no-till systems, offering an integrated approach as herbicide resistance grows.

Microplastics Monitoring: Scientists from 21 African countries met in Accra to harmonise coastal microplastics monitoring protocols using nuclear and isotopic techniques, aiming for comparable data to guide marine pollution policy. Sudan Justice & Accountability: The ICC says investigators have secured “breakthrough” links between Rapid Support Forces leadership and systematic war crimes in Darfur, including civilian killings tied to the El Fasher siege. Sudan Humanitarian Pressure: UN reporting highlights Sudan’s poverty rate rising from 45% to 73% since the war began, as inflation and currency weakness push families to cut spending to basic food needs. Ebola Watch (Region): Uganda plans to deploy more Ebola experts and expand treatment centres in eastern DRC as bed occupancy nears capacity and staff face delayed salaries. Energy Integration (Regional): Ethiopia took over chairmanship of the Eastern Africa Power Pool, pledging faster cross-border electricity integration—an issue that also matters for Sudan’s long-term power and resilience planning.

Sudan Peace & Humanitarian Access: Sudan’s government rejects “rebranding” the RSF militia under a humanitarian truce, saying any ceasefire must include real enforcement and end militia control of towns where civilians are held hostage. War’s Environmental & Social Fallout: The UN says Sudan’s poverty rate has jumped from 45% to 73% since the war began, with living costs and inflation pushing families deeper into crisis. Health Under Strain: Cholera and other outbreaks are worsening in Sudan’s west Kordofan as drone strikes disrupt humanitarian access, raising fears of further spread. Food, Water & Climate Stress: A separate report highlights how climate and conflict are driving hunger and poverty, with climate-related disasters rising sharply since 2015. Regional Climate Risk: NATO leaders are urged to plan for extreme heat impacts on food, water, transport, energy and health systems—an issue that matters for military operations and civilian safety alike. Agriculture & Soil Protection: Research from dryland farming stresses cover crops and residue management to suppress weeds and conserve moisture in no-till systems—key lessons for drought-hit regions.