AGP Executive Report

Sudan Humanitarian Crisis: UN agencies warn Sudan’s war is worsening as cholera spreads and drone strikes hit civilians, with aid operations disrupted by insecurity and communications failures; North Darfur saw reported casualties from drone attacks and new displacements, while El Obeid in North Kordofan faces continued strikes. Aid Access: Sudan extended the Adre border crossing with Chad until Sept. 30 to keep humanitarian deliveries moving. Frontline Risk in Kordofan: UN-linked reporting highlights fears of an RSF buildup around El Obeid, raising alarm over a possible repeat of earlier atrocities. Security & Governance: Khartoum’s military leadership is pushing to rebuild intelligence and counterterrorism cooperation with neighbors and partners, while the army-aligned prime minister faces mounting criticism over service failures in Khartoum. Economy & Finance: China agreed to cancel about $50m of Sudan’s interest-free loans, a small but timely relief as the economy reels from conflict. Regional War Networks: US sanctions target networks accused of supplying weapons, explosives and foreign fighters to both Sudan’s army and RSF, tightening pressure on external enablers.

Sudan Humanitarian Strain: UN warns violence is continuing as cholera cases rise, with drone strikes hitting civilians in North Darfur and displacement surging in North Darfur and Kordofan. US Sanctions & War Supply Chains: Washington announced new sanctions on networks it says supply weapons, explosives and foreign fighters to Sudan’s SAF and RSF, alongside a second round targeting Sudan under chemical-biological rules. Regional Proxy Claims: Investigators allege UAE-backed RSF training in secret camps in Libya, pointing to a wider regional logistics and recruitment web. Debt Relief for Cash-Strapped Khartoum: Sudan and China signed an agreement to cancel four interest-free loans worth about $50m, with officials calling it a timely boost amid economic collapse. Industrial Recovery Talks: Bahrain’s RHF joined UNIDO discussions on private-sector-led industrial recovery that includes Sudan. Local Conflict & Social Tensions: Rights groups urged Sudan to diffuse tensions after the murder of a Catholic priest in the Nuba Mountains, amid reports of retaliatory violence. Sports Amid War: Sudan’s under-17 women’s team returned to international qualifiers in Morocco, facing heavy defeats but marking a rare sporting milestone.

Sudan War & Humanitarian Fallout: UN warns RSF drone strikes and troop movements are disrupting aid routes and worsening civilian harm as El Obeid in North Kordofan faces intensified attacks, power and water failures, and rising fuel prices. Sanctions & Aviation: Sudan’s civil aviation sector says new US sanctions are unlikely to stop operations directly, but could raise financial and commercial hurdles, especially for state carriers. US Pressure on War Supply Chains: The US Treasury expands sanctions on networks accused of supplying weapons, explosives and foreign fighters to both SAF and RSF, while a separate case involves OFAC action against an Indian explosives firm tied to Sudan war allegations. Oil & External Support Claims: Sudan’s UN envoy accuses the UAE of sustaining RSF via logistical corridors through Libya, including ports/airports and overland routes into Darfur. Economic Policy & Education Resilience: UNESCO backs Sudan’s push to reopen schools and develop a dedicated climate change strategy for the education sector. Entrepreneurship Finance: UNIDO’s Bahrain office proposes a BD40m international fund to support startups and MSMEs in conflict-affected countries, including Sudan.

US Sanctions on Sudan Aviation: The latest U.S. measures under the CBW Act target Sudan’s state-owned air carriers and restrict loans/assistance to Sudan, raising fresh financial and commercial hurdles for the air transport sector. Currency & Cash Control: New 1,000- and 500-pound notes linked to a “parallel” central bank are circulating in RSF areas, deepening fears of a widening currency split and weakening central authority over cash. El Obeid Humanitarian Strain: Repeated drone strikes on El Obeid are damaging schools and services and driving fuel shortages and soaring black-market prices, worsening daily life for civilians. US OFAC Explosives Dispute: After OFAC sanctioned SBL Energy and its CEO over alleged explosive shipments to the SAF, the firm says it made only 10 industrial-mining shipments since 2022 and denies supplying defense products. UNESCO Education Climate Plan: UNESCO backed Sudan’s first education-sector climate change strategy, supporting school reopening and resilience planning. Sudan War Spillover Warning: Sudanese officials warn regional backers and cross-border weapons flows are prolonging the war and risking spillover into neighboring countries.

Sudan Currency Watch: Sudan is edging closer to a currency split as RSF-aligned authorities in Nyala allow new 1,000- and 500-pound notes (issued by the Central Bank in May 2022) to circulate under a parallel central bank setup, raising fresh questions over cash control and monetary unity. US Sanctions & War Economy: The US Treasury sanctioned eight people and entities, including Indian CEO Alok Choudhari and his Raipur explosives firm SBL Energy, alleging over 200 shipments of explosives supplied Sudan’s SAF-linked networks and helped sustain the war. Diplomacy & Humanitarian Pressure: The UAE urged an immediate humanitarian truce at the UN Security Council, while the US faced pushback as Sudan’s Sovereignty Council rejected the latest draft. Regional Spillover Warning: Sudan warned the RSF conflict could spread across the region, pointing to external military and financial backing from several states that prolong fighting and worsen the humanitarian crisis.

Sanctions & War Economy: The US Treasury sanctioned eight people and entities, including Indian CEO Alok Choudhari and his Raipur explosives firm SBL Energy (also known as Amin Explosive), accusing them of supplying 200+ shipments of explosives used by Sudanese Armed Forces, while also targeting Sudan-linked procurement networks tied to the Defence Industries System and firms in Sudan and Egypt. Ceasefire Diplomacy: The UAE urged an immediate, unconditional humanitarian truce at a UN Security Council briefing, while the US said Sudan’s Sovereignty Council rejected its latest draft. Humanitarian Pressure: UN and US warnings point to worsening civilian conditions and mass atrocities risk as fighting continues, with hunger, inflation and currency collapse deepening the crisis. UK Refugee Routes: Britain’s Labour government plans “Ukrainian-style” community sponsorship for refugees, with a potential 10,000+ arrivals by the end of the decade, likely prioritising people from Sudan and Eritrea. Conflict Normalisation Debate: Opinion pieces warn that war is becoming “systemic” across Africa, with Sudan highlighted as a key example of violence turning routine.

US Sanctions & Chemical Weapons Claims: Washington imposed new sanctions on eight people and entities, including an Indian explosives CEO and firm, alleging networks supplied explosives and materials used in Sudan’s war, while also citing chemical weapons use. UN Security Council Deadlock: A UN briefing turned into sharp blame-shifting between the US, Sudan and the UAE over responsibility for Sudan’s humanitarian catastrophe, with the US pushing a humanitarian truce that Sudan’s Sovereignty Council rejected. Humanitarian Truce Push: The UAE reiterated calls for an immediate, unconditional humanitarian truce and urged a time-bound roadmap toward an independent civilian government. Conflict-Linked Procurement Pressure: The US targeted procurement and recruitment links tied to the SAF and RSF, warning the money and supplies behind the fighting are undermining prospects for any ceasefire.

US-Sudan-UAE Sanctions Clash: The UN Security Council saw the US, Sudan and the UAE trade blame over Sudan’s deepening humanitarian catastrophe, as Washington announced fresh sanctions tied to alleged chemical weapons use and warned of a “death spiral” from arms flows. US Sanctions Networks Fueling War: Separately, the US Treasury sanctioned individuals and entities accused of supplying explosives and recruiting fighters for both SAF and RSF, alongside tighter financial and export measures aimed at forcing a humanitarian truce. Türkiye Calls for Action on RSF Backers: Türkiye’s ambassador to Khartoum urged “concrete steps” against external actors supporting the RSF, warning that statements alone won’t stop drone-linked attacks and civilian harm in El Obeid. Ports & Trade Links: Oman and Sudan moved to strengthen cooperation in ports and maritime logistics, signaling renewed focus on trade corridors amid war disruption. Khartoum Economic Strain: A Reuters-linked report on Sudan’s war economy highlights how conflict and sanctions pressure are reshaping markets and investment conditions. El Obeid Warning: Commentary and UN-linked warnings suggest El Obeid could face an El Fasher-style escalation, with civilians and services under threat.

Sudan Economy & Trade: Sudan faces mounting economic pressure as new media restrictions spark criticism, while Reuters reports new Sudanese notes circulating in RSF areas deepen the de facto split; a separate analysis warns the war’s fourth year is worsening inflation and the pound’s slide as gold exports lag fuel imports (about $370m vs $697m in Q1), widening the trade gap. Security & Energy: Drone attacks continue to hit civilian infrastructure, with reports of a strike on a fuel station in Rabak (White Nile) killing two and wounding others, as El-Obeid also faces repeated attacks. Regional Commerce & Ports: Oman marked the Day of the Seafarer, highlighting maritime trade and supply-chain resilience, with Sudan’s infrastructure minister attending; Qatar Free Zones Authority CEO also met Sudan’s ambassador to discuss trade and investment links. Humanitarian & Displacement: UN warnings point to deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Sudan, while refugees describe hunger and abuse in Egypt amid surging deportations. Governance & Media Freedom: A global report says funding cuts to independent media are strengthening authoritarian influence, citing Sudan as a case where reduced oversight weakens democratic institutions.

Sudan Currency Watch: Newly issued Sudanese pounds have started circulating in RSF-controlled areas, Reuters reports, raising questions over who is funding the notes and deepening Sudan’s de facto split. War’s Economic Strain: A separate report highlights how the war’s fourth year is worsening trade imbalances, with gold exports far below fuel imports and more facilities staying idle, pushing the pound further down. Freedom of Expression Under Pressure: Sudan’s authorities are moving to tighten online rules via cybercrime and electronic publishing measures, including mandatory electronic registration for websites—sparking criticism from journalists and civil society. Humanitarian Fallout: UN warnings point to deteriorating conditions, while accounts from displaced Darfur families in Chad describe hunger and desperation under worsening displacement pressures. Regional Business Link: Qatar Free Zones Authority CEO met Sudan’s ambassador to discuss boosting trade and investment ties and attracting Sudanese firms to Qatar’s free zones. Security Update: Drone strikes reportedly hit fuel facilities in Rabak (White Nile), killing civilians, as attacks continue across central and western Sudan.

Sudan Currency & War Economy: Newly issued Sudanese pounds are circulating in RSF-controlled areas, reviving questions over who is funding the cash and how deep the country’s de facto split is becoming. Humanitarian Pressure in Sudan: The UN warns conditions are deteriorating in Al-Ubayyid, North Kordofan, as drone attacks disrupt power, water and medical services amid SAF–RSF fighting. Education & Household Costs: Sudanese teachers in Khartoum State begin a strike over non-payment and collapsing purchasing power, threatening school reopening plans. Rights & Accountability: The UN says RSF-linked forces account for most conflict-related sexual violence since 2023, warning that impunity could lock in cycles of abuse. Regional Trade & Policy: Ethiopia launches a Biotech Africa Database to centralize biosafety and biotech import/export rules, aiming to cut compliance delays for traders and regulators. Mining Politics in Sudan: Opposition grows in eastern Sudan to a reported long-term copper deal with a Chinese company, with groups demanding a halt until peace and clear terms are secured. Cross-border Finance Watch: UK lawmakers hear claims that intelligence on Sudan atrocities was suppressed to protect UAE ties, raising scrutiny of foreign influence on policy.

Teachers’ Strike in Khartoum: Sudanese Teachers’ Committee says a strike began June 24 in Khartoum State over non-payment of salaries, with teachers warning wages have collapsed in purchasing power and pushing schools back into uncertainty. Frontline Shifts in Blue Nile and North Darfur: SAF claims gains in Blue Nile after clearing operations and captures around El Bar, while RSF reports taking Furuawiya in North Darfur, underscoring fast-changing conditions for civilians. Humanitarian Alarm in Al-Ubayyid: UN warns violence is worsening in Al-Ubayyid, with drone attacks disrupting power, water and medical services, including closure of a dialysis center. War Crimes and Sexual Violence Report: UN human rights office says sexual violence in Sudan has been used systematically as a weapon of war, with most verified incidents attributed to RSF-linked forces. Refugees in Egypt Under Pressure: Sudanese refugees report abuse, prolonged detention and forced deportations in Egypt amid a tightening crackdown. Oman-Sudan Trade Link: Oman and Sudan sign an MoU to expand port, maritime transport and logistics cooperation, aiming to improve supply chains and connectivity. Eastern Sudan Copper Mining Push: Opposition grows in eastern Sudan against a proposed long-term Chinese copper deal in Red Sea state, with critics demanding a halt until peace and clear terms are secured.

Sudan War Economy & Gold: A new report says Sudan’s conflict is being sustained by a war economy built on gold smuggling and illicit finance, with official exports only a small slice of output and much of the rest moving through borders toward the Gulf, including the UAE. UK–Sudan Atrocity Politics: UK lawmakers heard claims the FCDO suppressed intelligence on Sudan atrocities and failed to act on warnings about RSF mass killings to protect diplomatic and economic ties with the UAE. Regional Trade & Logistics: Oman and Sudan moved to deepen port and logistics cooperation, signing an MoU between Oman’s Asyad Ports (and free zones) and Sudan Sea Ports Corporation, with plans for training, digital port systems and maritime integration. Egypt Border Crackdown: Egypt arrested 223 suspects, including 136 foreigners, in a crackdown on illegal gold mining and cross-border trafficking near the Sudan border, seizing vehicles, cash and mining equipment. Humanitarian & Displacement Pressure: UN reporting highlights that education disruption is worsening in Sudan alongside other crisis states, with tens of millions of children out of school and conflict a key driver. Fuel Prices Watch: Sudan appears among Africa’s cheaper fuel markets in June 2026, reflecting how subsidies and domestic supply shape pump prices across the region.

Sudan War Economy: A new analysis says Sudan’s conflict is being sustained by a “war economy” that drains resources and fuels violence, with gold production and smuggling routes—often linked to the Gulf—playing a major role in financing both SAF and RSF. Humanitarian Education Shock: A UN report warns conflict and climate have disrupted education for 258 million children worldwide, with Sudan among the worst-affected countries and nearly 100 million out of school. UN Atrocity Warning: The UN Security Council warns of an imminent risk of mass atrocities in El Obeid as RSF and SAF fighting intensifies, urging urgent deterrence and sanctions. Private Sector in Aid: A study with Airlink argues pre-crisis partnerships and private logistics support are becoming essential for humanitarian response capacity, using Sudan as a key case. Regional Diplomacy & Trade Links: Qatar Chamber joined a UNIDO dialogue on industrial recovery that explicitly includes Sudan, pushing for practical business partnerships to rebuild productive economies. Sports Amid Disruption: Sudan’s U-17 girls’ team returned to competition in Morocco, marking a rare economic and social outlet despite war and upheaval. UK Policy Pressure: A UK poll finds many Britons want reduced ties with Sudan’s military-led government over concerns about Islamist influence, adding pressure to asylum and engagement decisions. Egypt Crackdown Near Sudan Border: Egypt arrested 223 suspects in a security operation targeting cross-border organized crime including illegal gold mining, with seizures of vehicles, cash, weapons and equipment.

Sudan Conflict Watch: The UN Security Council warned of an “imminent risk of mass atrocities” in El Obeid, North Kordofan, as RSF forces reportedly encircle the city; it urged urgent action and possible new sanctions tied to RSF commanders and backers. Humanitarian & Services Impact: Drone attacks in El Obeid have reportedly shut down critical services, including power and water access, and forced medical facilities to close, worsening an already dire protection crisis. Border Economy & Security: Sudanese Armed Forces chief Lt Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan promised to investigate reports that Egyptian forces attacked Sudanese miners near the border, amid rising tensions around gold-mining areas and smuggling routes. Regional Trade/Logistics: Egypt is preparing a tender for a USD 120m logistics zone in Toshka, Aswan, including refrigerated warehouses, silos, and trade facilities aimed at moving agricultural exports toward African markets via Sudan-linked border crossings. Refugee Inclusion & Jobs: Ethiopia marked World Refugee Day by pushing a shift from camps to self-reliant settlements, highlighting Sudanese refugee entrepreneurs and schooling in Ura settlement. Policy & Finance (Nigeria): Nigeria’s federal government is considering reintroducing a stricter cashless policy to curb kidnappings by making ransom payments more traceable through banking channels. Libya Migration Crackdown: Amnesty says Libya’s rival authorities have intensified mass arrests and expulsions of refugees and migrants, including Sudanese nationals, and accuses the EU of complicity by deepening migration cooperation.

Border Security & Mining Crackdown: Egypt says it arrested 223 suspects, including 136 foreigners, in a major operation near the Sudan border targeting illegal gold mining, smuggling, weapons and drugs, seizing vehicles, cash, communications gear and mining machinery. Sudan Response: Sudan’s top commander El Burhan promised to investigate claims that Egyptian forces attacked Sudanese miners near the border, as tensions rise in Red Sea state around gold sites and local community disputes. Sanctions & Weapons Sourcing: A report says the SAF has relied heavily on foreign drones, with Iran-linked supply routes under scrutiny, while Khartoum is reportedly pausing Iranian weapons purchases to improve chances of Washington backing in ceasefire talks. Refugee & Inclusion Economy: Ethiopia’s refugee policy push highlights self-reliance for Sudanese refugees, with entrepreneurs and host communities benefiting as Ethiopia shifts from camps toward longer-term settlements. Internet as Economic Infrastructure: A commentary warns that treating the internet only as a right misses the economic damage from shutdowns, noting Sudan has suffered extensive internet disruptions.