AGP Executive Report

Sudan’s Return to Khartoum: More than 2 million of the 5 million displaced in Khartoum have gone back since the army retook the capital, but daily life remains shaky with power outages, damaged buildings, and unpaid workers. War’s Business Hit—Mango Sector: Sudan’s mango industry is in crisis as fighting disrupts production and transport, raising costs and leaving harvests to spoil. Humanitarian Health Push: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) launched a week-long medical convoy in Sudan for 500 underprivileged patients, including 250 urology and GI endoscopy surgeries, with capacity-building for local teams. Airline Finance Upgrade: BADR Airlines selected Maureva’s EDGAR Managed Services to strengthen revenue accounting and financial control as it expands routes. Food and Trade Pressure: Russia’s wheat export tax has returned, a move that could lift procurement costs for African importers relying on Russian grain. Energy Market Context: A fuel-price roundup lists Sudan among the cheaper markets in Africa for July 2026, reflecting how subsidies and pricing policies shape costs.

Sudan Humanitarian & Health: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) launched a week-long medical convoy in Sudan for urology and GI endoscopy, targeting 500 underprivileged patients with 250 surgeries and capacity-building for local teams. Sudan War & Economy: Sudan’s conflict continues to reshape livelihoods and supply chains, with reports highlighting how fighting disrupts sectors like mango production and worsens displacement and hunger risks. Regional Energy Integration: Ethiopia took over chairmanship of the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP), pledging faster cross-border electricity trade and deeper regional grid connectivity. Cross-border Finance/Trade: Saudi-UAE tensions are hitting business flows, with reports of border delays lasting days and bank transfers being blocked or returned. Global Policy Impact on Sudanese Travelers: The US updated its Visa Waiver Program, tightening visa-free eligibility for travellers with recent presence in Sudan and other listed countries. Governance & Corruption (Iraq): Iraq’s anti-corruption drive follows raids tied to alleged bribery and seized funds, underscoring how financial misconduct is driving political scrutiny across the region.

Sudan War & Dialogue: A new push argues that only inclusive intra-Sudan dialogue can end the crisis, warning that exclusion and elite deals keep the country trapped in instability. Humanitarian Crisis in El Obeid: UN rights warnings say another catastrophe is unfolding as fighting intensifies around El Obeid, with thousands displaced in weeks and reports of atrocities raising fears of a repeat of El Fasher. SAF Gains in Blue Nile: Sudan’s army says it recaptured Kurmuk, a strategic border town and trade corridor with Ethiopia, from the RSF, with plans to protect civilians and restore services. Food & Agribusiness Stress: The mango sector is under severe strain as war disrupts transport and supply chains, while satellite-linked reporting highlights Sudan’s collapsing agricultural system and rising hunger risk. Health Support on the Ground: QRCS launched a medical convoy in Sudan for urology and GI endoscopy, targeting 500 patients and building local capacity with partners including HMC and Sudan’s health ministry. Regional Business Watch: Egypt’s gold crackdown is framed as a bid to protect state revenues as “dahhaba” illegal mining grows amid war-linked smuggling.

Sudan War & Humanitarian Fallout: UN rights officials warn El Obeid is sliding toward another catastrophe as fighting between the SAF and UAE-backed RSF intensifies; reports say thousands have fled and children are among the worst affected, while drone strikes have killed civilians heading to gatherings. Food & Agriculture Disruption: Sudan’s mango sector is in crisis as war wrecks transport routes and supply chains, leaving harvests to spoil and pushing farmers and exporters to the brink. Frontline Developments: The SAF says it has recaptured Kurmuk, a key border town and trade corridor with Ethiopia, from the RSF, with the next phase focused on protecting civilians and restoring services. Accountability & Aid Delivery: A growing debate inside the humanitarian system is centering on accountability—whether aid actors and donors did enough to prevent obstruction and protect civilians. Regional Business Context: Separate coverage highlights how conflict and policy shocks ripple into trade and investment, from Sudan-linked supply disruptions to broader investment climate updates across the Arab world.

Sudan Humanitarian & Poverty: The UN says Sudan’s poverty rate has jumped from 45% before the war to 73% since April 2023, pushing nearly 24 million people below the poverty line as inflation, a weakening currency and soaring living costs bite harder. El Obeid Crisis: UN-linked reporting warns fighting and drone attacks are worsening the humanitarian situation around El Obeid, with competing narratives emerging as the siege tightens. Conflict Tech & Civilian Harm: The SAF says it shot down a Chinese-made FH-95 combat drone over North Kordofan, highlighting how drone warfare is reshaping the battlefield and raising stakes for civilian infrastructure. Regional Trade/Policy Context: A WTO-backed study on Arab countries’ accession experience says deeper integration can boost prospects, while transport and customs frictions remain key barriers—relevant for Sudan’s wider trade and reform debate. Cross-border Aid: A Hyderabad-based doctor’s team says it is mobilising medical aid for Gaza, underscoring how humanitarian networks keep operating despite regional shocks.

Sudan Conflict & Humanitarian Risk: Save the Children warns that escalating violence around El Obeid in North Kordofan has displaced over 5,500 children and threatens up to 500,000 civilians, as drone strikes, siege-like conditions, disrupted access routes, and a worsening cholera situation strain already fragile services. Military & Tech on the Ground: The Sudanese Armed Forces said it shot down a Chinese-made FH-95 combat drone over North Kordofan, with reports and footage pointing to an interception involving a Turkish-made Akıncı—highlighting the growing drone-driven tech rivalry between SAF and the RSF. Sanctions & Finance Angle: A separate report notes Sudan’s war is increasingly shaped by cash and alliances, with attention on how sovereign wealth and arms supply routes are reshaping partnerships. Regional Business/Trade Watch: Qatar Airways launched flights to Port Sudan, a potential boost for connectivity and trade links as Sudan’s logistics remain under pressure. Policy & Migration Pressure: Egypt’s tightening asylum approach is pushing thousands of Sudanese refugees to consider leaving, adding uncertainty to regional labor and humanitarian planning.

Humanitarian Emergency in El Obeid: Save the Children says 5,500 children are among 11,000 newly displaced as violence tightens around El Obeid in North Kordofan, with UN warnings that up to 500,000 civilians could face atrocities and further displacement; Child Casualties: UNICEF reports at least 330 children killed or injured in Sudan in the first half of 2026, with drone strikes driving most harm, and calls for a ceasefire as schools, markets, water and health services are hit; Saudi Aid Push: Saudi Arabia says it has delivered $3.21bn in humanitarian aid to Sudan via 359 projects across health, water, food security, education, banking and energy; Gold Sector Shock: Sudan’s gold economy faces fresh risks as a mine collapse in northern Sudan killed 15 miners, highlighting unsafe artisanal operations; Sanctions-Resilience Plan: Khartoum is reportedly moving toward BRICS ties and “alternative economy” measures, including trade in national currencies and new banking channels to reduce dollar dependence; Digital Payments: Visa expands Visa Pay across Africa, including Sudan, to help banks and fintechs launch virtual cards and support remittances and humanitarian disbursements.

Sudan–BRICS Strategy: Khartoum is reportedly moving toward an “alternative economy” plan, seeking BRICS and other non-Western partners to blunt the impact of widening US/EU sanctions, including more trade in national currencies and alternative banking channels. Humanitarian Funding: Saudi Arabia says it has delivered $3.21bn to Sudan via 359 projects across health, water, food security, education, energy and banking support. El Obeid Under Threat: UN rights warnings highlight a looming humanitarian catastrophe in el-Obeid, with siege-like conditions, drone attacks disrupting supply routes, and prices reportedly surging as RSF forces mass for possible clashes. Gold Rush Risks: A traditional gold mine collapse in North Sudan’s Wadi Halfa killed at least 15 miners, underscoring unsafe artisanal mining practices that have grown during the war. Digital Payments Push: Visa says it is expanding Visa Pay across Africa, including Sudan, to help banks and mobile money operators roll out virtual cards and remittance-linked payments faster. Health & Access: Sudan’s maternity wards in Omdurman have reopened, offering new hope amid shortages and high costs for medicines and transport.

Humanitarian Crisis in El Obeid: Water queues and rising prices signal a city under siege as RSF movements near El Obeid threaten supply routes; IOM warns famine could hit within weeks unless safe corridors open. Cholera Alarm in West Kordofan: OCHA reports cholera worsening in Wad Banda and Al-Nahud, with insecurity and drone strikes disrupting water and medical services. Aid and Civilian Protection: The UAE pledged USD 30m emergency help for El Obeid, stressing civilian protection and safe, unhindered aid access. Health Services Return: In Omdurman, maternity wards reopened after war closures, easing some fear for mothers despite medication shortages and high costs. Sudan Health Support for Children: Qatar Charity launched paediatric catheterisation and open-heart surgery services in Gezira, aiming to cut the financial burden on families. Regional Diplomacy for Sudan: EU’s Horn of Africa envoy says Saudi Arabia is well placed to push stalled Sudan talks toward ceasefire and transition. Trade and Business Context: Port Sudan handled 26,000+ TEUs and received 30 ships in June, while broader regional economic pressures keep logistics and costs in focus. Cross-border Security: Sudan’s war spillovers and regional instability also show up in reports of drone-driven disruption and attacks on civilian infrastructure.

El Obeid Humanitarian Alarm: The UN migration agency warns RSF attacks could turn Sudan’s El Obeid into “another El Fasher,” citing repeated drone strikes on power and fuel sites and warning that over 500,000 people need help as shelter funding remains thin. Western Darfur Violence: RSF carried out retaliatory attacks on the Sudan Army-linked towns of Qurbara and Aru near the Chad border, killing at least 11 civilians, burning markets, and displacing residents. Poverty Shock: A UN report says 73% of Sudanese now live below the poverty line—up from 45% in 2023—pushing families to cut meals, sell assets, and rely on aid and remittances. Health Support for Children: Qatar Charity launched paediatric catheterisation and open-heart surgeries at Wad Madani, aiming to ease the burden on Gezira’s families and strengthen local hospital capacity. Aid Scale-Up: KSrelief says its humanitarian assistance has reached $8.54bn across 114 countries, with Sudan receiving $190.63m (2.23%). Regional Diplomacy: The EU’s Horn of Africa envoy says Saudi Arabia is key to turning stalled Sudan talks into ceasefire and political transition, pointing to Jeddah’s role in bringing parties together.

Sudan Humanitarian & Health: Qatar Charity launched paediatric catheterisation and open-heart surgeries at Wad Madani Centre for Cardiac Surgery in Gezira, with Sudan’s health minister and local officials attending, as part of continued medical support amid the war. Sudan Poverty & Cost of Living: A UN report says 73% of Sudanese now live below the poverty line (up from 45% in 2023 and 71% in Nov 2025), with about 24 million people struggling as jobs and businesses collapse and families cut meals, sell assets, and send children to work. El Obeid Under Siege: UN rights chief Volker Türk warned that drone attacks on El Obeid are escalating into another potential atrocity, documenting 15 strikes in late June that killed at least 45 civilians and hit markets, schools, fuel stations and water infrastructure. Regional Diplomacy for Ceasefire: EU envoy Annette Weber told Arab News that Saudi Arabia is becoming a key diplomatic actor in pushing Sudan’s ceasefire and political transition, citing Jeddah as a rare place where both sides negotiated. Trade & Services Shock: Port Sudan handled over 26,000 TEUs and received 30 ships in June, highlighting how logistics still matter for Sudan’s economy even as conflict disrupts life. Governance & Corruption (Iraq spillover): Iraq’s PM Ali al-Zaidi urged citizens to report corruption with financial rewards as Baghdad expands anti-graft raids in the Green Zone.

Humanitarian & Poverty Shock: A new UN report says Sudan’s poverty has surged to 73% of the population, up from 45% in 2023, leaving about 24 million people below the $3-a-day poverty line as war destroys jobs and pushes families into coping measures like cutting meals and selling assets. El Obeid Under Siege: The UN and rights chief Volker Türk warn that El Obeid in North Kordofan is facing another potential atrocity cycle as drone strikes hit markets, schools, fuel stations and water infrastructure; Türk’s office documented 15 strikes in three weeks killing at least 45 civilians. Rights Pressure in Geneva: An emergency UN Human Rights Council session urged urgent action to prevent atrocities around El Obeid, with calls to stop external military support feeding the war economy. Healthcare Support in Conflict Zones: Qatar Charity launched paediatric cardiac catheterisation and open-heart surgery services at Wad Madani Centre for Cardiac Surgery in Gezira, aiming to ease the burden on families and restore local healthcare capacity. Trade & Logistics Signal: Port Sudan reported June performance of 15,593 containers (26,019 TEUs) and welcomed 30 vessels, citing efficiency gains and resumed transhipment services.

Poverty Surge: A new UN report says 73% of Sudanese now live below the poverty line, up from 45% in 2023, with about 24 million people struggling as war destroys jobs and businesses and families cut meals, sell assets and pull children into work. Humanitarian Alarm in El Obeid: UN and rights officials warn that El Obeid in North Kordofan is at high risk of atrocities as drone strikes hit markets, schools, fuel stations and water infrastructure, killing at least 45 civilians in 15 strikes between 6-28 June and worsening fuel and water shortages. Siege Conditions: Reports from inside the city describe siege-like life, with displacement growing and residents unable to leave due to transport costs and repeated attacks on vehicles. Trade & Logistics Watch: Port Sudan handled 15,593 containers (26,019 TEUs) in June and received 30 vessels, while authorities say deeper berths and expansion are still needed to meet international standards. Regional Connectivity: Qatar Airways launched Port Sudan flights, adding another link for trade and passenger movement. War Economy & Accountability: UN Human Rights Council debates and rights groups again call for urgent action and pressure on external backers tied to the RSF.

Humanitarian & Rights Watch: The UN Human Rights Council convened an emergency session over the risk of atrocities in and around El-Obeid, North Kordofan, as UN investigators warn of intensifying RSF drone strikes hitting hospitals, markets, schools and residential areas, with civilians facing siege-like conditions and fuel and water shortages. On-the-ground Impact: Residents describe relentless bombardment and insecurity in El-Obeid, where hundreds of thousands live amid displacement and rising costs, while rights groups say the pattern echoes the lead-up to past mass atrocities. Kordofan Escalation: In South Kordofan’s Delling, reports say a drone strike killed two children and injured their mother, as health facilities close and aid access deteriorates. Trade & Logistics: Port Sudan processed 26,019 TEUs in June (15,593 containers) and received 30 vessels, with officials citing efficiency gains and the resumption of transhipment services. Aviation Connectivity: Qatar Airways launched flights to Port Sudan, adding three weekly services and boosting Sudan route connectivity via Doha.

Sudan Humanitarian & Security: The UN Human Rights Council is set for an urgent debate over the looming crisis in el-Obeid, North Kordofan, as warnings grow that Rapid Support Forces (RSF) siege tactics—drone strikes, infrastructure damage, and fuel and water shortages—could trigger mass atrocities, with officials citing a pattern seen in el-Fasher. War’s Economic Pressure: Reports say the siege is already driving food prices up sharply, with civilians unable to afford essentials or flee. Sudan Conflict Tech & Arms: The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) says it shot down an RSF Chinese-made FH-95 drone over the White Nile, highlighting the drone-driven tech race and foreign-linked supply lines. Regional Connectivity for Trade: Qatar Airways launched flights to Port Sudan, adding three weekly services via Doha and boosting passenger and business connectivity to Sudan’s Red Sea hub. Sanctions & Finance Context: US sanctions on networks linked to Sudan’s RSF and SAF continue, with analysts warning they may complicate peace efforts and deepen mistrust around enforcement. Food Supply Shock Beyond Sudan: A separate report links Iran-related shipping disruptions to fertilizer shortages, warning of knock-on effects for global food prices—an added risk for Sudan’s already strained food economy.

Sudan War & Humanitarian Risk: The UN Human Rights Council is set for an urgent debate over Sudan’s el-Obeid as RSF forces tighten a siege, with reports of drone strikes, mass displacement and food prices reportedly surging by up to 300%, raising fears of another el-Fasher-style catastrophe. Atrocities & Accountability: Amnesty International says the RSF committed crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing during its el-Fasher campaign, calling for a nationwide ceasefire and an independent international force. Military Developments: The Sudanese Armed Forces report shooting down an RSF Chinese-made FH-95 drone over White Nile, with footage suggesting interception involving a Turkish-made Akıncı. US Sanctions & Regional Pressure: The US imposed additional sanctions on networks linked to both RSF and SAF, a move analysts say may not shift battlefield positions and could complicate US-led peace efforts. Trade & Connectivity: Qatar Airways launched inaugural flights to Port Sudan with three weekly services, boosting passenger links via Doha to 160+ destinations. Business & Policy Tools: ISAAA AfriCenter launched a “Biotec Africa Database” portal to centralize biotech crop approvals and biosafety regulatory requirements across African countries, aiming to reduce delays and compliance uncertainty for traders.