Sudan

After the Sudanese army recaptured Khartoum, many hoped that Sudan’s war would start winding down. Instead, as it enters its third year, the conflict is escalating and likely to expand in scope, unless diplomats make a concerted push for peace talks. 

Amid alarming reports of sexual violence being used as a weapon of terror across Sudan, UN reproductive health agency, UNFPA, is warning that over 12 million women and girls – and increasingly men and boys – are estimated to be at risk.

The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is spiralling as rival militaries continue to battle for control of the country, with the UN expressing profound alarm on Monday over escalating hostilities, particularly in North Darfur. 

The leader of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces said Sunday that its war with the army was not over, even after the paramilitary group was driven out of the capital last week. Both sides refuse negotiations. 

[…] Previously, internet disruptions were primarily a tactic employed by the Sudanese government to suppress dissent. Now, both the SAF and the RSF are utilising shutdowns to control information flow within territories held by the opposing side.

The Sudanese army has in recent weeks extended its military operations successfully recapturing the presidential palace and the most recent, retaking the airport in Khartoum from the RSF.  … Seizing the capital doesn’t end the conflict, as the RSF still controls parts of the western Darfur region and other areas.

The Emergency Lawyers group of volunteer legal professionals who have documented atrocities on both sides of Sudan’s nearly two-year war said army warplanes carried out “an indiscriminate air strike on Tora market in North Darfur, killing hundreds of civilians and seriously wounding dozens.” 

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and international envoys met in Addis Ababa on Wednesday to coordinate efforts to mediate an end to the conflict in Sudan, emphasizing the need for a unified approach, the regional body said. IGAD has spearheaded an initiative to resolve the crisis, but the Sudanese government has rejected its involvement. 

Amid the civil war, the foreign ministry associated with the Sudanese army has proposed a strategy for conducting elections. The initiative includes establishing a transitional government, appointing a civilian prime minister, and facilitating a national dialogue with civil society. 

Sudan has filed a case against the United Arab Emirates at the World Court for allegedly arming the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and violating its obligations under the Genocide Convention in relation to attacks in West Darfur state, the International Court of Justice said on Thursday.