AGP Executive Report

Sudan Humanitarian Crisis: UN and partners warn the war is worsening fast: RSF forces have encircled El Obeid in North Kordofan, while West Darfur fighting has displaced about 18,000 people toward Chad and funding shortfalls have forced the closure of three health facilities, cutting care for roughly 75,000 displaced people; the $3bn humanitarian appeal is only 40% funded. Climate Pressure on Food and Health: New Copernicus-based reporting says July 2026 was the hottest on record for regions home to about 900 million people, with Sudan among countries breaking monthly heat records—heat that raises risks for water, crops, and disease. Religious Persecution in Wartime: In Sudan’s Nuba Mountains, a pastor was executed with others after detention, and another church leader was abducted—part of a wider pattern of attacks on Christian communities and churches amid the civil war. Education Support for Sudanese Students: Qatar Red Crescent Society launched its “Back to School 2026” drive (QR12m+) to reach 24,000 students across eight countries including Sudan, with supplies, maintenance support, and scholarships. Environment Diplomacy: Sudan’s ambassador met Qatar’s environment and climate minister to boost cooperation focused on climate and environmental priorities.

Sudan Humanitarian Crisis: UN and partners warn the war is still driving displacement and cutting services, including water shortages in North Kordofan’s El Obeid where about 133,000 people received two million litres of drinking water, while West Darfur fighting displaced roughly 18,000 people into Chad and funding shortfalls forced the closure of three health facilities affecting around 75,000 displaced people. Education Under Fire: Pakistan urged all parties to protect educational facilities at a UN Security Council “Arria-formula” meeting, saying Sudan’s 1,000+ days of war have left millions of children out of school and exposed to grave violations. Children Without Care: Khartoum state is shifting from institutional care to foster-family support as war shuts down hospitals, fuel and electricity become scarce, and meningitis spreads; officials say deaths among children without parental care have been rising, with hundreds evacuated and placed with families across states. Climate Stress: Record July heat is hitting the Sahel hard, with Sudan among countries reporting monthly temperature records and scientists warning extreme heat is becoming far more likely due to human-driven climate change. Heritage at Risk: Sudan’s UNESCO-listed Meroë pyramids face further deterioration as war, salt damage, and climate pressures leave stones falling and inscriptions weakening, with preservation efforts largely stalled since 2023. Environment-Climate Diplomacy: Sudan’s environment and climate cooperation with Qatar was discussed in a meeting between Sudan’s ambassador and Qatar’s environment minister, focusing on boosting ties in climate and environmental work. Back to School Funding: Qatar Red Crescent Society launched its “Back to School 2026” campaign (QR12 million) to support education in Sudan and other countries, targeting more than 24,000 students with supplies, maintenance, and scholarships.

Environment & Climate Diplomacy: Qatar’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change met Sudan’s ambassador to discuss boosting Qatari-Sudanese cooperation, especially on environment and climate change. War, Water Stress & Aid Gaps: UN and partners report providing 2 million litres of drinking water to about 133,000 people in El Obeid as RSF forces encircle the North Kordofan capital; meanwhile, fighting in West Darfur displaced about 18,000 people into Chad and funding shortfalls forced the closure of three health facilities serving around 75,000 displaced people. Heat Risk for Sudan’s Region: New climate reporting says record July temperatures affected areas home to about 900 million people worldwide, with Sudan among Sahel countries breaking monthly heat records—raising alarms for heat-driven health and food stress. Education Under Siege: Pakistan urged UN action to protect education facilities in Sudan, warning the war has left millions of children out of school and exposed to grave violations. Heritage Under Threat: Sudan’s UNESCO-listed Meroë pyramids face further damage from war and climate pressures, with stones falling and salt weakening structures as preservation efforts stall. Children’s Protection Shift: Khartoum state is moving from institutional care to foster-family support for children without parental care as war cripples services and worsens child deaths. Fundraising for School Supplies: Qatar Red Crescent launched “Back to School 2026,” including support for Sudan, aiming to reach 24,000 students with supplies, maintenance and scholarships.

Climate Heat Shock: Copernicus-linked analysis says around 900 million people across Africa, Europe and Central America lived through the hottest July on record in 2026, with Sahel countries including Sudan reporting monthly temperatures more than 2°C above the 1981–2010 average—raising alarms about food and water stress. War on Heritage: Sudan’s civil war is accelerating damage to the UNESCO-listed Meroë pyramids near Khartoum, as stones fall, salt weakens structures, and preservation work stalls. Children’s Rights Under Siege: Pakistan urged the UN Security Council to protect education facilities in Sudan, warning that over 1,000 days of war have left millions of children out of school and exposed to grave violations. Social Protection Shift: Khartoum state is moving from institutional care toward foster-family support for children without parental care as facilities face shutdowns, fuel shortages and disease spread. Regional Environment-Climate Diplomacy: Sudan’s environment and climate cooperation with Qatar was discussed in a meeting between Sudan’s ambassador and Qatar’s environment minister, focusing on boosting ties in climate and environmental work. Humanitarian Aid: Kuwait’s charity campaign sent food and shelter supplies to war-affected families in Sudan’s Omdurman, as part of broader relief efforts.

Sudan’s Heritage Under Fire: War and neglect are accelerating the collapse risk for UNESCO-listed Meroë pyramids near Khartoum, with stones falling and salt damage weakening inscriptions as international preservation efforts stall. Education as a Lifeline: Pakistan urged the UN Security Council to protect Sudan’s schools, warning that more than 1,000 days of war have left millions of children out of class and schools repeatedly attacked or used by forces. Humanitarian Skills for Displaced People: A new TVET centre in Wudweil Refugee Settlement will train 350 Sudanese refugees and 150 host community members in trades like tailoring, carpentry, bakery, agriculture, and masonry, aiming to boost self-reliance as funding declines. Press Freedom Under Threat: Rapid Support Forces kept Radio Nyala journalists incommunicado and reportedly issued death threats against Darfur 24 staff, underscoring the danger for civilians and media documenting the conflict. Regional Security Spillover: Coverage also flags how Sudan’s wider war dynamics and Horn-of-Africa tensions could deepen instability, with renewed military manoeuvres raising fresh risks for civilians and fragile ceasefire gains.

Heritage Under Fire: Sudan’s civil war is accelerating the collapse risk for the UNESCO-listed Meroë pyramids near Khartoum, with archaeologists citing war damage, falling stones, salt weakening inscriptions, and stalled international preservation. Education in Conflict: Pakistan urged UN Security Council action to protect schooling in Sudan, warning that the war has left millions of children out of class and that attacks on schools and military use of classrooms are worsening. Media Safety: The RSF’s incommunicado detention of Radio Nyala journalists, plus reported death threats against Darfur 24 staff, is raising alarms over press freedom and civilian protection. Livelihoods for Displaced People: A new TVET centre in Wudweil Refugee Settlement will train Sudanese refugees and host communities in trades like tailoring, carpentry, bakery, agriculture, and masonry to support self-reliance as funding declines. War’s Wider Environmental Toll: Reports also describe how conflict and accumulating sand are compounding environmental stress around Meroë, threatening long-term survival of the site.

Education under fire: Pakistan urged the UN Security Council to protect Sudan’s schools, saying the war has left millions of children out of class and that attacks on education are a direct assault on children’s safety and dignity. Press freedom at risk: Radio Nyala journalists remain incommunicado after RSF detention, while Darfur 24 staff report death threats—another sign of how dangerous it is to document the conflict. Humanitarian livelihoods: In Wudweil Refugee Settlement, a new TVET centre (with UNHCR and NRC support) will train Sudanese refugees and host communities in trades like tailoring, carpentry, bakery, agriculture and masonry, aiming to boost self-reliance as funding declines. Health threat spreading: A mosquito species that thrives in cities is expanding across Africa, with Sudan named among affected countries—raising the risk of year-round malaria outbreaks. War’s environmental footprint: Photos and reporting highlight how fighting is putting Sudan’s ancient Meroe pyramids at risk of collapse, adding cultural and heritage damage to the ecological toll.

Sudan Conflict & Civilians: UN officials warn Sudan’s war is keeping at least 8 million school-aged children out of class, with Darfur schools hit hard and attacks on education reported repeatedly. Press Freedom Under Fire: Radio Nyala journalists remain incommunicado in RSF custody, with Darfur 24 staff facing death threats—another sign of a worsening safety climate for media. Health System Strain: South Darfur’s Rehed El Bardi Hospital risks shutdown after the only doctor left for postgraduate studies, pushing communities to launch a local fund to keep services running. Religion & Community Safety: In Sudan’s Nuba Mountains, Christian leaders face continued targeted violence, including the killing of an Episcopal pastor and abductions of other church figures. Livelihoods & Resilience: A new TVET centre in Wudweil Refugee Settlement will train Sudanese refugees and host communities in trades like tailoring, carpentry, bakery, agriculture and masonry as humanitarian funding declines. Environment & Climate Context: UN and scientists warn El Niño is strengthening, raising heat and climate risks that can worsen already fragile conditions across the region.

Press freedom under fire: Radio Nyala journalists in Nyala (South Darfur) remain incommunicado in RSF custody, with families reporting fever, weight loss and untreated medical needs, while Darfur 24 staff face death threats—another reminder that documenting Sudan’s war is becoming deadly. Health system strain: Rehed El Bardi Hospital in South Darfur risks shutdown after the only doctor left for postgraduate studies; locals are launching a fund to keep services running amid chronic shortages. Humanitarian skills push: A new TVET centre in Wudweil Refugee Settlement (Northern Bahr el Ghazal) will train 350 Sudanese refugees and 150 host community members in trades like tailoring, carpentry, bakery, agriculture and masonry as funding declines. Cultural heritage at risk: UNESCO-listed Meroe pyramids face possible collapse as fighting halts maintenance; windblown sand, vegetation and salt buildup are accelerating damage. Water & conflict context: Ethiopia is urged to expand Abay (Blue Nile) dams after GERD, keeping Nile-water leverage and development momentum in focus.

War & Heritage at Risk: Sudan’s UNESCO-listed Meroe pyramids are deteriorating fast as fighting halts preservation work. Guards report sand thickening, grass taking over, stones falling, and salt eroding fragile structures and inscriptions—linked to war, workforce disruption, and climate stress. Health System Strain: In South Darfur, Rehed El Bardi Hospital faces shutdown after the only doctor left for postgraduate studies; locals are launching a fund and committee to keep services running for thousands who struggle to reach Nyala. Humanitarian Funding Push: WFP says South Korea will add $30m for REACH Phase II, including emergency food and nutrition support for conflict-affected people in Sudan and other crisis countries. Water & Food Security: A report highlights how groundwater cutbacks force farmers to “make fallowing less bad” with drought-tolerant winter crops and forage—an approach relevant to Sudan’s broader water stress. Climate Commitments Gap: About a quarter of Paris Agreement countries still haven’t submitted updated climate plans 18 months after the deadline, keeping global pressure on adaptation and emissions on the back burner.

Cultural Heritage Under Siege: Sudan’s war is halting preservation at UNESCO-listed Meroe pyramids, with sand buildup, salt damage, and falling stones raising fears of collapse as security blocks maintenance and expert work. Health System Strain: South Darfur’s Rehed El Bardi Hospital faces shutdown after the only doctor left for postgraduate studies, pushing locals to launch a community fund to keep services running. Humanitarian Fallout: Aid retreating from Sudan’s collapsing health system is happening even as one newborn care program scales up with new infant warmers integrated into national reporting. Water & Food Pressure: Farmers are weighing “less bad” options as groundwater cutbacks bite, including growing winter crops or forage that use less water to reduce fallowing losses. Justice & Accountability: In Abu Dhabi, a Sudan military equipment case was adjourned to August 12 after prosecutors laid out alleged arms-smuggling and money-laundering schemes using UAE facilities. War’s Human Cost: A BBC report highlights “invisible children” born during the conflict without legal identity, tied to abduction, rape, and displacement in Darfur.

Meroe Under Threat: Sudan’s UNESCO-listed Meroe pyramids are deteriorating fast as fighting halts preservation work; guards report thick sand, encroaching grass, stones falling, and salt damage to fragile structures, with experts warning collapses are possible. Khartoum’s War Damage: A correspondent describes a “quiet” capital in ruins after the RSF vs SAF battle for control, with millions displaced and the city’s industrial base shattered. UAE Court Case: Abu Dhabi’s Federal Court of Appeal adjourned Sudan’s “military equipment” case to Aug. 12, after prosecutors laid out a scheme allegedly using UAE institutions to traffic arms and launder proceeds. Climate Compliance Gap: About a quarter of Paris Agreement countries still haven’t submitted updated climate plans 18 months after the deadline, keeping pressure on global action that affects Sudan’s weather and food security. Food Security Pressure: Denmark is pushing the UN Security Council to stop conflict-driven hunger, citing Sudan among wars worsening access to food.

Sudan’s Churches in Ruins: Reports say Sudan’s war has damaged or destroyed 160+ churches, with worship sites looted or turned into barracks and weapons depots, underscoring how conflict is erasing hard-won religious freedom. Customary Courts Under Fire: A drone strike in North Darfur hit a community court gathering under a tree, killing at least 35 people and wounding others—turning local justice into a killing field. Chemical Weapons Pressure: The US is pushing harder on alleged chemical weapons use in Sudan, adding a second round of sanctions and urging independent probes rather than a national committee. Food Under Fire: Denmark is set to press the UN Security Council to act against starvation in wars, pointing directly to Sudan alongside Ukraine and Gaza as hunger worsens. Khartoum Dust Risk: A rare, extreme Category 5 haboob dust storm hit Phoenix, a reminder of how harsh weather can rapidly cut visibility and disrupt life—relevant as Sudan faces climate-linked shocks. Energy and Power Links: Ethiopia says it can become Africa’s energy hub, exporting electricity to Sudan and others—highlighting how regional power trade could matter for stability and resilience.

War & Environment in Sudan: A drone strike hit a customary court gathering in North Darfur (Garra al-Zawiya), killing at least 35 people and injuring others, underscoring how conflict is crushing local justice and community safety. Chemical Weapons Pressure: The US is escalating international pressure over alleged chemical weapons use in Sudan, including renewed sanctions and calls for independent OPCW investigations. Local Governance Turned Lethal: Reports say Sudan’s drone war is increasingly turning community courts into killing fields, deepening fear and displacement. Peace Process Politics: Sudanese political forces are split over the UN–AU–IGAD–Arab League–EU “quintet” political track, with some boycotting unless it starts with ceasefire, civilian protection, and humanitarian access. Natural Resources & Conflict: The UN Security Council is pushing to stop illicit raw-material exploitation that can finance armed groups, citing Sudan among cases where resource-linked violence worsens humanitarian crises. Food & Climate Resilience (Region): New chickpea seed work in southern Africa targets climate resilience and lower nitrogen needs, aiming to protect incomes and nutrition as shocks and input costs rise.

Sudan War & Civilians: A drone strike in North Darfur hit a customary court gathering under a tree in Garra al-Zawiya, killing at least 35 people and injuring others, turning local dispute resolution into a killing field. Chemical Weapons Accountability: The US is increasing pressure over alleged chemical weapons use in Sudan, pushing for independent OPCW investigations and tightening sanctions after earlier steps in 2025. Political Process Deadlock: Sudanese parties are split over the Addis Ababa “quintet” political track to end the war, with some civilian blocs boycotting while others seek to shape the process. Natural Resources & Conflict: The UN Security Council is calling for tougher action against illicit raw-minerals exploitation that can finance armed groups, pointing directly to conflicts including Sudan. Food Security & Resilience: FAO reports global hunger is falling, but Africa still lags; it urges soil-fertility and diversified farming approaches over reliance on imported synthetic inputs. Climate Pressure: UN warnings highlight El Niño-driven worsening weather risks, adding strain to already fragile food and health systems across the region.

Sudan Conflict & Civilian Harm: A drone strike in North Darfur turned a customary community court into a killing field in Garra al-Zawiya, killing at least 35 people and wounding others, with reports naming both tribal leaders and RSF commanders among those present. Humanitarian Funding: The US has resumed humanitarian funding via global agencies after dismantling USAID, pledging close to $2bn over two months for hunger, health, disaster relief and child support. Politics of Peace Talks: Sudanese parties are split over the Addis Ababa “quintet” political process, with some civilian blocs boycotting while others want to shape a ceasefire-first, civilian-protection agenda. Environment & Resources Governance: The UN warns that illicit raw-minerals exploitation fuels conflict, urging stronger local beneficiation and environmental standards so critical-mineral revenues don’t bankroll armed groups. Food Security Pressure: UN reporting says global hunger is falling, but Africa still lags, with conflict, climate shocks and aid cuts cited as key brakes on production and resilience.