#EU imposes sanctions on six individuals over role in #Sudan conflict

The European Union Council has announced sanctions against six individuals deemed responsible for prolonging the conflict in Sudan. These sanctions target key figures from both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF).

From the RSF, General Abdel Rahman Juma Barakallah, accused of atrocities in West Darfur, and the RSF’s financial advisor are sanctioned. A prominent tribal leader affiliated with the RSF in West Darfur is also on the list. On the SAF side, the sanctions target the Director General of Defense Industry System and the Commander of the Sudanese Air Force, accused of indiscriminate bombings. Additionally, former Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Ahmed Karti Mohamed has been listed.

The sanctions include asset freezes, travel bans within the EU, and a prohibition on providing funds or resources to those targeted. This action brings the total under the Sudan sanctions regime to 12 individuals and entities. The EU continues to call for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access.

https://sudantribune.com/article287391/

#UAE pledges $28 million in aid to bolster humanitarian efforts in #Sudan, #South_Sudan

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has committed a significant $28 million to support critical humanitarian efforts in Sudan and neighboring countries. This announcement comes on the heels of a $20 million agreement finalized on Wednesday with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (#UNHCR) in #Geneva.

This vital financial assistance aims to alleviate the suffering of displaced people and refugees grappling with a brutal civil conflict that has ravaged Sudan for over a year.

In addition to the UNHCR partnership, the UAE also pledged a further $8 million to the World Health Organization (#WHO) at its headquarters in Geneva. This contribution will specifically support the WHO's critical initiatives aimed at bolstering healthcare infrastructure and delivering essential medical services within Sudan.

https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2024/06/27/uae-sudan-aid/

#Sudan recalls ambassador from #Chad over allegations of supporting #RSF

Sudan has recalled its ambassador to Chad, Osman Mohamed Younis, amid rising tensions over border control and alleged Chadian support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Relations between the two countries have soured after the Sudanese government accused Chad of facilitating the external supply of military provisions to the RSF via border channels.

These allegations are not new. Last November and December, Yasir Al-Atta, the Assistant Commander of the Sudanese army, publicly accused Chad of allowing its territory to be used for the transfer of weapons and ammunition from the UAE to the RSF. The RSF has been engaged in conflict with the Sudanese army since mid-April 2023.

A government insider told the Sudan Tribune that Chad is actively aiding the RSF by opening its borders for UAE supplies and facilitating the movement of the RSF commander and recruited foreign fighters. "Chad is complicit in meddling in Sudanese affairs by using its territory as a conduit for RSF supplies. All Emirati aid to the militia is channeled through Chad, and Sudan has presented evidence to support this claim," the source alleged.

Furthermore, a diplomatic source confirmed to the Sudan Tribune on Thursday that Sudan had formally submitted a detailed report to the Chadian government concerning border security.

https://sudantribune.com/article287511/

#RSF extends control in Southeastern #Sudan

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) consolidated control over #Sinjah, Sennar state's capital in southeastern Sudan, following their eastward expansion from #Jabal_Moya. Reports indicate RSF forces seized key installations, including the army base and local government offices, with incidents of looting and intimidation reported.

The escalation prompted widespread civilian displacement towards Gedaref in eastern Sudan. RSF's control now spans Sinjah, including the Sudanese army's 65th Brigade headquarters, abandoned as forces retreated to Sennar city. RSF also secured the Blue Nile Bridge, crucial for access to eastern Sennar, hinting at potential expansion towards Al-Dinder.

Despite RSF advances, Sudanese army spokesperson Brigadier General Nabil Abdallah affirmed ongoing combat in #Sennar, underscoring their commitment to defend positions.

https://sudantribune.com/article287669/

Refugee flight from #Sudan surging as war rages, funds dry up

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (#UNHCR) is intensifying its humanitarian appeal for Sudan as a growing number of people leave the country, fleeing conflict and hunger, seeking refuge in neighboring nations.

The UNHCR highlights the need for additional funding to support the increasing population of Sudanese refugees, revising its appeal to $1.5 billion from the initial $1.4 billion requested in January. The appeal aims to assist 3.3 million refugees and the local communities hosting them in neighboring countries through the end of the year.

Ewan Watson, UNHCR head of global communications, recently visited Sudan and South Sudan's refugee camps and shared his observations about the hardships faced by the refugees.

https://www.voanews.com/amp/refugee-flight-from-sudan-surging-as-war-rages-funds-dry-up/7682676.html

#Ethiopia: #Tigray interim admin calls for urgent protection of Ethiopian refugees amid Sudanese civil war

In his latest social media update, Getachew Reda, President of the Tigray interim administration, emphasized the increasing threat posed by the civil war in #Sudan to #Tenedba and #Um_Rakuba refugee camps in eastern Sudan. These camps host thousands of refugees from Tigray and other parts of Ethiopia, facing exacerbated humanitarian challenges due to the conflict's proximity.

"The humanitarian situation in these camps has always been dire, but the encroaching conflict intensifies the distress," stated Getachew. He urged regional influencers and the international community to exert pressure on both warring factions to cease hostilities immediately and prioritize civilian protection. Additionally, he called upon the Ethiopian government to take decisive actions to alleviate the plight of its refugees.

In a recent report by Addis Standard in May 2024, concerns were raised about 170 former Ethiopian peacekeepers of Tigrayan origin currently residing in Um Gargour camp, Gedaref city, who are experiencing heightened security risks amidst the escalating Sudanese conflict.

For the full news article, please follow the link provided.

https://addisstandard.com/ex-ethiopian-peacekeepers-of-tigrayan-descent-previously-stationed-in-abyei-region-face-danger-amid-sudans-escalating-conflict/

#Sudan: 15 people killed in fresh #RSF shelling of El Fasher market

An artillery strike in El Fasher, North Darfur's capital, on Wednesday resulted in 15 fatalities and 29 injuries, according to local health officials. The attack, attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), targeted several areas including markets and residential neighborhoods.

Ibrahim Khatir, Director General of the Ministry of Health in North Darfur State, reported that the victims were civilians from various parts of El Fasher, including Al-Nasr, Al-Thawra South, Al-Riyadh South, Al-Radeef, and the Al-Mawashi market area.

A military source stated that the 6th Infantry Division's hospital received 12 fatalities and 20 injured individuals following the incident at the southern livestock market. The El Fasher Resistance Committees Coordination confirmed that the southern and western parts of the city were affected by the artillery fire.

https://sudantribune.com/article287787/

#UN Envoy calls for #Sudan peace talks in Geneva

The United Nations Secretary-General's personal envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, has invited the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (#RSF) to participate in indirect talks in #Geneva. The discussions, set to begin on July 10th, 2024, aim to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis and improve civilian protection in Sudan.

The invitation follows UN Security Council Resolution 2736, adopted in June 2024, which called for enhanced civilian protection measures. Lamamra has requested both the army commander and RSF leader to send senior-level delegations to the talks. The UN will facilitate these discussions in a "proximity format," allowing for indirect negotiations between the parties.

This diplomatic effort comes amid continued conflict in Sudan. The Sudanese army recently rejected a ceasefire offer in El Fasher and has set conditions for potential negotiations with the RSF. These include the surrender of RSF forces and their evacuation from occupied civilian buildings.

https://sudantribune.com/article287826/

#Ethiopian gov't forms national committee to repatriate refugees from #Sudan amid escalating conflict

The Ethiopian government has announced the formation of a national committee to repatriate Ethiopian refugees located in Sudanese refugee camps amid the escalating conflict in Sudan. Reports indicate that the conflict is approaching camps housing Tigrayan refugees, who were displaced to Sudan during the two-year war in Tigray.

Ambassador Nebiyu Tedla, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, told Voice of America (VOA) that repatriation efforts have been ongoing since the start of the Sudan conflict. "The Ethiopian government has established a national committee and has been repatriating Ethiopian citizens since the commencement of the conflict in Sudan," Nebiyu stated.

Read more at: https://x.com/addisstandard/status/1809146498325581825