Sudan

The death toll from inter-communal clashes in Sudan’s West Darfur state has climbed to 87, with 191 people injured, according to the United Nations. Thousands have fled the state capital, El Geneina, where fighting has raged for several days between Arab militia and Masalit tribesmen.

A peace agreement last year between armed groups and Sudan’s transitional government was heralded as a landmark moment, coming as the country charts a new course following the ouster amid mass protests of long-serving ruler Omar al-Bashir. But in the western region of Darfur – one of several areas covered by the deal – resistance is coming from a major rebel group that refused to sign, as well as conflict-affected communities whose members complain that their voices have not been heard.

Led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu, Sudan’s People Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) is one of two groups that has yet to sign a peace deal with the transitional authorities that have been in power in Sudan following the 2019 removal of longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir. The “declaration of principles” signed on Sunday outlines priorities including the unification of armed forces and the establishment of a democratic, secular state with freedom of religion.

Tensions surrounding the control of farmland in the al-Fashaqa region, on the border, have escalated in recent months, while talks over the operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which will affect water volume downstream on the Nile in Sudan and Egypt, are deadlocked.

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The political transition in Sudan is moving forward, though formation of the legislative council and other important milestones have yet to be achieved, the head of the new UN mission in the country told a virtual meeting of the Security Council on Tuesday. 

Atul Khare, UN Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support Sudan on Monday discussed with the Sudanese official UNAMID’s drawdown and ways to ensure a successful withdrawal. Last December, the UN Security Council terminated the mandate of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) on 31 December 2020. The former mission is now withdrawing its military and civilian personnel as the liquidation process should be completed by 30 June 2021.

Sudan's Sovereign Council ratified UN conventions against torture and enforced disappearances Tuesday, after months of delay. … Rights groups also welcome the move and are calling on the government to set procedures that validate the pacts. 

The October 2020 accord between rebels and Sudan’s transitional government is a big step forward. But difficulties remain. External powers should help Khartoum broaden the deal to include holdouts, reform the security sector and keep promises to invest in the country’s long-neglected peripheries.