AGP Executive Report

Sudan War Economy & Daily Costs: Khartoum’s transport crisis is squeezing households as fares rise, vehicle supply falls, and damaged roads force longer, costlier commutes—while gold export receipts and fuel import bills underline the widening economic gap. EU Sanctions on Sudan Gold: The EU moves to ban Sudanese gold imports to choke war financing, adding pressure to networks tied to conflict funding. UN Warning on Sudan’s War Economy: UN reporting highlights how Sudan’s resource-linked trade, including gum arabic, helps sustain fighting and taints global supply chains. G7 Pressure on El-Obeid: G7 foreign ministers call for an end to attacks in Sudan’s El-Obeid and push for wider arms embargo steps. Mining & Industry Signals: Sudan launches a geological survey aimed at diversifying the mining sector, seeking new investment pathways amid conflict. Humanitarian & Health Strain: MSF warns drone attacks in El Obeid are disrupting basic services, deepening the squeeze on civilians.

Sudan Transport Strain in Khartoum: Rising fares, fewer operating vehicles and damaged roads are making daily commutes in Khartoum and nearby cities a survival challenge, as war disrupts services and displaces families back into the capital. EU Sanctions on Sudan Gold: The EU has moved to curb war financing by banning imports of Sudanese gold and tightening related trade measures, aiming to cut revenue streams linked to the conflict economy. UN Warns “War Economy” Sustains Fighting: A new UN warning says Sudan’s resources and gum arabic trade help keep the civil war going, with the conflict increasingly self-perpetuating and spilling into global supply chains. El Obeid Under Pressure: G7 and EU calls are urging an end to attacks around El-Obeid and pushing for wider arms embargo steps to protect civilians. Food Security Alarm: WFP warns Sudan faces catastrophic hunger levels, as displacement and conflict continue to choke access to basic services and markets.

EU sanctions on Sudanese gold: The EU moved to choke war financing by banning purchase/import/transfer of Sudanese gold and restricting mercury and cyanide exports used in extraction, targeting gold trading hubs and networks linked to the Sudanese Armed Forces and RSF. Humanitarian pressure in El Obeid: WFP warned hunger is deepening for displaced families in El Obeid, with funding shortages forcing reduced rations and urgent scale-up needs as civilians face siege conditions and drone strikes. G7 push for civilian protection: G7 foreign ministers urged an end to attacks in El-Obeid and called for wider arms embargo measures to protect civilians and enable aid access. Sudan war economy under scrutiny: UN reporting highlighted how Sudan’s resources and “war economy” sustain conflict, including through gum arabic trade and other revenue streams that taint global supply chains. Local security and market violence: Clashes in Al-Dabba left multiple people dead and injured, with reports of attacks on an electricity substation disrupting essential services. Diplomatic accountability: Pakistan condemned RSF atrocities in Darfur and warned that any escalation toward El Obeid could trigger further international crimes, calling for accountability for financiers and enablers.

UK Sanctions on Sudan Gold Networks: The UK imposed sanctions on 11 individuals and entities tied to Sudan’s gold trade, targeting shadow procurement and financing links to both the SAF and RSF, including asset freezes and curbs on gold-related networks in hubs like Dubai and Hong Kong. UN War-Economy Probe: The UN human rights office verified that looted gold and gum arabic revenues are being used to sustain the Sudan war, with gum arabic shipments and theft linked to RSF funding and coercion of communities. G7 Push for El-Obeid Halt: G7 foreign ministers urged immediate ceasefire steps around El-Obeid, calling for protection of civilians, unimpeded humanitarian access, and support for expanding the Darfur arms embargo nationwide. Local Violence in Al-Dabba: Sudan Doctors Network reported heavy clashes in Al-Dabba’s market killed eight and injured 16, with RSF shelling damaging an electricity substation and raising fears of deliberate disruption of essential services. Mining Diversification Plan: Sudan launched a geological survey in Atbara to update its mineral map and reduce reliance on gold by shifting toward industrial and energy minerals to attract investment and support recovery. Culture & Tech Spotlight: Sudanese filmmaker Saif Eldin Hamza and Egyptian producer Omar El Naggar won a PixVerse Special Prize at the UN AI for Good Film Festival for “Another Day,” an AI-generated story on Alzheimer’s and care. Diplomatic Condemnation: Pakistan strongly condemned RSF atrocities in Darfur at a UN Security Council briefing, stressing accountability for those who finance or facilitate crimes.

Mining & diversification: Sudan launched a geological survey in Atbara to update the mineral map and cut reliance on gold by expanding interest in industrial and energy minerals, with a push toward domestic processing and jobs. War economy & trade pressure: The UN says looted gold and gum arabic are being used to bankroll Sudan’s war, including RSF-linked hijacking of gum arabic stocks; the OHCHR also warns Sudan’s gum arabic value chain is helping sustain conflict and risks global supply chains. Sanctions on gold networks: The UK imposed sanctions on 11 individuals and firms tied to illicit Sudanese gold trade supporting SAF and RSF, including state mining companies; the EU also banned Sudanese gold imports and restricted mercury/cyanide exports to curb conflict financing. Currency & banking: A report says the Sudanese pound’s slide resumed after a brief dip following Central Bank injections, while the central bank took supervisory actions against commercial banks over foreign-exchange violations. Humanitarian strain in conflict zones: MSF says El Obeid’s services are under severe pressure as drone strikes rise, driving up costs and limiting access to water and care. Water & local livelihoods: In Omdurman’s El Salha, a Nile-recession-linked water station outage has pushed families to buy barrels of water at steep prices while authorities try to restart pumping. Accountability: The ICC deputy prosecutor said progress continues in investigations into El Geneina and El Fasher, urging cooperation and the surrender of fugitives.

EU Sanctions on Sudan’s Gold: The European Union banned the purchase, import and transfer of Sudanese gold and also restricted exports of mining chemicals like mercury and cyanide, aiming to cut a major war-financing channel tied to the SAF and RSF. UN “War Economy” Warning: A UN Human Rights Office report says Sudan’s conflict is increasingly self-perpetuating as armed groups profit from control of territory, trade routes and commodities, with gum arabic highlighted as a key case affecting global supply chains. Gum Arabic Under Scrutiny: The UN report urges states and companies in the gum arabic value chain to comply with international law and stop enabling revenue that sustains fighting. Humanitarian Support for Refugees: The US boosted WFP funding with over $24m to sustain food assistance for more than 150,000 Sudanese refugees and crisis-affected people in Egypt. Water Crisis in Khartoum Area: In El Salha south of Omdurman, Nile recession has left pumps stranded, forcing families to buy costly water or use brackish wells while authorities try to reroute the intake. Aviation and RSF Links: Reuters reported aircraft operated by companies linked to a longtime US contractor flew routes connected to RSF logistics hubs, raising new questions for sanctions enforcement. Regional Diplomacy: UN envoy Pekka Haavisto is set to travel to Uganda to engage authorities and Sudanese stakeholders as the UN pushes for a political solution.

EU Sanctions on Sudan Gold: The EU has banned the purchase, import and transfer of Sudanese gold and also barred exports of mercury and cyanide used in mining, aiming to cut conflict financing. UN Human Rights Warning: The UN human rights office says Sudan’s “war economy” is sustaining fighting by monetising commodities and trade routes, with gum arabic highlighted as a case study; it urges states and companies in the gum arabic value chain to follow international law and improve traceability. G7 Push for Wider Arms Embargo: G7 foreign ministers urged an immediate halt to attacks in el-Obeid and called for expanding the Darfur arms embargo nationwide, while demanding humanitarian access and an end to external military and financial support. Port Sudan Gas Deal: Sudan and Türkiye signed an MOU to build a gas berth at Suakin Port, with operations expected within 1–1.5 years to supply gas at “affordable” prices. Food Security Pressure: The World Food Programme warns Sudan’s hunger crisis could worsen as conflict, aid cuts and rising farming costs threaten progress against famine. UAE Arms Embargo Call: A US rights group urged the UN to impose an arms embargo on the UAE, alleging UAE-linked supply corridors and support to the RSF.

EU Sanctions on Sudan Gold: The EU has banned the purchase, import and transfer of Sudanese gold and also restricted exports of mercury and cyanide used in mining, aiming to cut war finance and pressure parties fueling the conflict. UN “War Economy” Warning: The UN human rights office says Sudan’s resource and commodity trade is sustaining an increasingly self-perpetuating war economy, urging parties and companies in supply chains (including gum arabic) to comply with international law. G7 Push for De-escalation: G7 foreign ministers and the EU call for an end to actions that could lead to atrocities or endanger civilians in El-Obeid, backing UN efforts and urging expansion of the Darfur arms embargo across Sudan. US Peace Plan for Sudan: The US proposes a five-point plan including a humanitarian truce, protection of civilians, a path to permanent ceasefire, inclusive civilian-led political dialogue, and reconstruction, while pressing for no preconditions and uninterrupted aid. Court Sentences Hemedti: A Sudanese court sentenced RSF leader Hemedti and 15 others to death in absentia over Darfur atrocities, including attacks on civilians and destruction of key community sites. Sudan–India Healthcare Deal: India and Sudan advanced a “Medicine Corridor” roundtable to boost pharma, medical devices and healthcare investment, with Sudan’s health minister inviting Indian firms to partner in rebuilding the sector. Immunisation Funding Gap: WHO/UNICEF warn that funding shortfalls could reverse routine immunisation gains; Sudan is cited among fragile settings where progress remains at risk.

EU Sanctions on Sudan Gold: The EU has banned the purchase, import and transfer of Sudanese gold and also restricted exports of mercury and cyanide used in mining, aiming to cut off war financing and pressure parties fueling the conflict. Food Security Warning: FEWS NET says up to 23 million people in Sudan could face acute food insecurity in 2026, with IPC Phase 4 likely to expand across Darfur, Kordofan and parts of central/southern states, and famine risk rising if fighting escalates or sieges tighten. Court Rulings vs RSF: A Sudan court in Port Sudan sentenced RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo and other senior figures to death over atrocities in West Darfur, while critics warn verdicts may become bargaining chips in future talks. War Economy Hit: With gold trade targeted, Sudan’s conflict-linked revenue streams face new constraints, even as humanitarian funding shrinks and displacement deepens. Agribusiness Shock: Sudan’s mango sector is struggling as war disrupts production, transport and supply chains, leaving harvests to spoil and pushing losses into the billions.

EU Sanctions on Sudan Gold: The EU has banned the purchase, import and transfer of Sudanese gold and restricted exports of mercury and cyanide, aiming to cut revenue that fuels the SAF–RSF war; exemptions cover humanitarian and disaster response. Sudan–Jordan Trade Talks: In Amman, the Amman Chamber of Commerce met Sudan’s ambassador to expand business ties, revive the Jordan–Sudan Business Council, and focus on logistics, reconstruction, digital transformation and medical tourism. RSF Hemedti Sentenced: A Sudanese court in Port Sudan sentenced RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) and 15 senior RSF figures to death in absentia over war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide tied to West Darfur. Regional Power Play in the Horn: Analysis highlights how Red Sea and Horn of Africa competition is intensifying via ports, military deals and diplomacy—linking external involvement to Sudan’s instability. Global Context for Markets: World Bank warns global food security remains fragile as fertiliser prices rise and climate risks grow, a backdrop that matters for Sudan’s import-dependent economy.

EU Sanctions on Sudanese Gold: The EU announced a new package banning the purchase/import/transport of Sudanese gold and prohibiting exports of mercury and cyanide to Sudan, alongside restrictions on related financing and technical support—aimed at cutting funds feeding the SAF–RSF war. Sudan Agricultural Finance Push: Khartoum unveiled a 3 trillion Sudanese pounds agricultural finance portfolio for the 2026 summer season, with insurance cost coverage and a push to organize small producers into cooperatives, targeting millions of feddans across key schemes. El Obeid Under Siege: Reports warn El Obeid in North Kordofan is becoming a major test case as RSF strikes hit water, power and medical services, raising fears of mass atrocities similar to other besieged cities. Humanitarian Alarm: The UN raised alarm over a sharp rise in human rights abuses and cholera-related deaths, citing massive civilian casualties and displacement, with aid access still severely restricted. Roads and Trade Linkages: A commentary highlights how improving the Dikwa–Gamboru road could revive trade and economic activity in Borno State by restoring safer highway connectivity. Gulf Money Tensions: A report says Saudi banks have been blocking or delaying UAE-bound payments since May, framing it as a financial rift tied to wider regional rivalries including Sudan. Gen-Z Support Package (Non-Sudan): Nepal approved a livelihood and rehabilitation package for Gen-Z movement families, including education and health insurance—useful context on how governments respond to youth unrest.

Sudan’s War and Governance: A leaked plan tied to Abdel Fattah al-Burhan points to a five-year military-led political transition, with a technocratic cabinet and elections later—raising fresh concerns about dismantling transitional institutions. Human Rights in Darfur: Sudan’s National Human Rights Commission says RSF-run prisons in El Fasher hold about 6,000 detainees, alongside allegations of massacres, impunity, and attacks on civilian infrastructure. Regional Business Linkages: Algeria’s GICA is moving to build a new cement plant in Chad, aiming to cut logistics costs, expand into landlocked Central African markets, and potentially reach parts of Sudan. Gulf Finance Watch: Saudi banks have reportedly blocked or delayed UAE payments since May, a sign of deepening Saudi-UAE rivalry with spillovers for cross-border trade. AI for Aid Operations: Cloudera and Mercy Corps launched an AI tool (VERA) used for faster crisis analysis, including agricultural and food security work in Sudan. Nile Basin Funding: Egypt reviewed Nile cooperation projects and reiterated a $100m financing mechanism for priority basin studies and infrastructure. Qatar Leadership: Qatar’s former emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani died at 74; tributes highlighted his role in Qatar’s LNG-driven growth and regional diplomacy, including mediation efforts involving Sudan.

Sudan Human Rights: Sudan’s National Human Rights Commission says it documented 6,000 detention cases in RSF-run prisons in El Fasher, North Darfur, warning of widespread abuses including violence against women and children and attacks on civilian infrastructure. Gulf Finance Rift: A report says Saudi banks have been blocking or delaying payments to UAE accounts since May, framed as a deliberate economic pressure point tied to wider Gulf tensions linked to Yemen and Sudan. Qatar Leadership: Qatar mourns former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, credited with turning Qatar into a global LNG and diplomacy hub, launching Al Jazeera, and expanding Qatar’s influence before voluntarily handing power to his son in 2013. Nile Basin Funding: Egypt reviewed Nile Basin cooperation and reaffirmed a $100m financing mechanism for priority projects, including water infrastructure, monitoring, and capacity-building. Iraq-US Energy Talks: Iraq’s prime minister is set to visit Washington to discuss oil and gas cooperation and alternative export routes amid Strait of Hormuz disruption risks. Regional Trade Note: Ethiopia’s export earnings hit record levels in 2025/26, but remain heavily concentrated in gold and coffee.

Sudan-India Trade: Sudan is pushing to deepen business ties with India in pharma and healthcare as it rebuilds after the civil war, with Indian medicines already making up over half of Sudan’s pharmaceutical imports; a roundtable with Indian firms and Sudan’s regulator discussed new partnership opportunities. Gulf Finance Rift: A report says Saudi banks have been blocking or delaying payments to UAE accounts since May, pointing to a widening Saudi-UAE financial rift with spillovers for regional trade and business. Ethiopia Exports: Ethiopia posted record export earnings in 2025/26, but the basket remains tightly concentrated in gold and coffee, raising concerns about foreign-exchange diversification. Iraq Anti-Corruption: Iraq’s “Dawn Crackdown” anti-corruption drive has detained dozens of people in its first days, including high-ranking officials, with figures still rising. Regional Diplomacy: Egypt and Türkiye urged de-escalation and renewed US-Iran negotiations to avoid military escalation, while also discussing Sudan among other regional files. Sports Economy: Nigeria’s Tinubu renewed support for reviving horse racing, framing it as a jobs and investment engine across tourism and agriculture.

Sudan–India Trade & Investment: Sudan is pushing to deepen business ties with India in pharma and healthcare as it rebuilds after the war, with Indian medicines already making up over half of Sudan’s pharmaceutical imports; a roundtable with Sudan’s embassy, the National Board of Pharmaceuticals and Poisons, and leading Indian firms focused on expanding supply and partnerships. Chemical Weapons & Sanctions: The US demanded immediate OPCW inspections over alleged Sudanese Armed Forces chemical weapons use in 2024, warning of consequences and noting sanctions after Sudan failed to meet Chemical Weapons Convention compliance steps. Humanitarian & Return to Khartoum: Reports say life is slowly resuming in parts of the capital after fighting, but Khartoum remains largely crippled with power outages, damaged infrastructure, and unpaid workers, while returnees face a fragile recovery. Education Fallout: Sudan’s exiled students describe war-driven collapse of campuses and a “lost generation” effect, with displacement and exclusion from education and work shaping long-term economic prospects. Regional Security Pressure: UN envoy Hans Grundberg said Yemen’s parties renewed commitments to a delayed prisoner exchange, including Sudanese members of the Saudi-led coalition—highlighting ongoing regional spillovers.

Chemical Weapons & Sanctions: The US demanded immediate OPCW inspections after concluding the Sudanese Armed Forces used chemical weapons in 2024, and said Port Sudan authorities remain non-compliant—triggering a fresh sanctions round. Humanitarian Access & Health: WHO warned Sudan’s cholera outbreak could worsen amid conflict and rains, as aid access strains deepen. Capital Life Returns, Economy Still Stalled: Reports say at least 2 million Khartoum returnees have come back, but power cuts, damaged infrastructure and unpaid workers show recovery is far from normal. Rights Pressure on External Backers: Human Rights Watch and a European Parliament resolution both pushed for action over alleged UAE involvement in the war, citing attacks on El Obeid infrastructure and civilian deaths from drone strikes. Education Fallout: Sudan’s exiled students describe “the lost generation,” with war shutting campuses and blocking education and work—an economic and social loss that will outlast the fighting. Regional Trade Signals: UAE and Nepal renewed trade and investment talks, a reminder that Gulf capital and partnerships remain active even as Sudan’s crisis reshapes regional risk.