News Monitor #1
30 July 2026

تتوفر النسخة العربية من المرصد الإخباري أسفل النسخة الإنجليزية

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SUDAN NEWS ROUND-UP

• The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) regained control of Bara and several surrounding strategic locations in North Kordofan following a two-day military offensive, 25-26 July. Operations advanced from Raheed Al-Nuba through Umm Sayala, Bara, and Jabrat Al-Sheikh, culminating in the reopening of the strategic Al-Sadarat Highway linking Omdurrman and El Obeid. The development marks one of SAF's most significant territorial advances in North Kordofan in recent months.

• Reuters reported on a leaked UN Panel of Experts report, revealing evidence of a U.S. military contractor's business network, including Boeing 727s, transported mercenaries, weapons and drones for the RSF.  The report also purportedly includes evidence of Colombian mercenary support to the RSF, with linkages to UAE-based Global Security Services ​Group.

• On 13 July, the European Council banned the purchase, import or transfer of gold originating from Sudan and restricted exports of chemical inputs used in gold mining - moving beyond the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation, which only designated gold from conflict areas as conflict gold, and not transit countries.

AERIAL ATTACKS ESCALATE ON EL OBEID

• The situation in El Obeid, North Kordofan’s capital, has deteriorated sharply in recent weeks with intensified targeting by the RSF of the city and its infrastructure, and SAF’s entrenched defense within the city. 

• Yale’s Humanitarian Research Lab documented extensive damage to civilian infrastructure and neighborhoods through satellite imagery, while humanitarian agencies warned that the violence is accelerating displacement and limiting access to essential services. According to Save the Children, more than 5500 children have been displaced from El Obeid and surrounding communities in two weeks as insecurity spreads. 

• The situation has drawn increasing international attention. The UN warned that civilians remain trapped by ongoing hostilities, while the UN Human Rights Council convened an urgent debate on Sudan on 6 July, adopting a resolution calling for the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission in Sudan to launch an urgent investigation into violations in El Obeid. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, warned of continued grave violations and emphasized the need for accountability and the protection of civilians. The Coalition on Atrocity Prevention and Justice for Sudan called for urgent action to address the escalating risk of serious human rights violations and abuses.

HUMAN RIGHTS

• A recent report from Amnesty International documented the RSF committing crimes against humanity and acts of ethnic cleansing during military operations in El Fasher. The report included evidence of widespread abuses against civilians and called for an immediate ceasefire, as well as the deployment of an independent international force to protect civilians. 

• Reuters reported on a leaked UN Panel of Experts report, revealing evidence of a U.S. military contractor's business network, including Boeing 727s, transported mercenaries, weapons and drones for the RSF.  The report also purportedly includes evidence of Colombian mercenary support to the RSF, with linkages to UAE-based Global Security Services ​Group.

• On 9 July, the ICC announced a breakthrough in its investigations into alleged crimes committed in Darfur. Deputy Prosecutor Khan stated that investigators have obtained strong evidence linking crimes committed in Darfur to leadership levels. On 23 July, the ICC announced a termination of proceedings against Abdallah Banda Abakaer Nourain, former Justice and Equality Movement leader.

• Sudanese Journalists Syndicate condemned the detention of journalist Maha Al-Talib and the transfer of journalist Nader Atta from Khartoum to Port Sudan for interrogation, describing the incidents as part of growing restrictions affecting journalists and media professionals. In addition, the Syndicate expressed concern over the deteriorating health of three female journalists detained by the RSF in Nyala and renewed calls for their immediate release and access to medical care.

• On 14 July, a military court affiliated with the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) sentenced Nuba Mountains activist Najwa Musa Kaunda to one year in prison.

PEACE PROCESS & MEDIATION EFORTS

• The Sudanese Declaration of Principles coalition concluded meetings in Nairobi on 21st July, approving a shared political vision and roadmap for the next phase of the political process. Participants said the document will guide their engagement ahead of consultations facilitated by the Quintet. 

• Also on 21 July in Nairobi, IGAD convened the Third Forum of Special Envoys and Representatives under the theme, ‘Harmonizing Regional and International Mediation Efforts for the Sudan Peace Process.’

• Planned political discussions organized by the Quintet, set for 31 July in Addis Ababa are facing significant challenges, with many parties, including the Somoud coalition, declaring a boycott.

• Significant differences remain between the SAF and RSF, over security arrangements in a reported U.S. ceasefire proposal that envisages a phased withdrawal of forces in selected areas under international oversight, with SAF maintaining that any peace process must be preceded by a comprehensive withdrawal of the RSF from all territory under its control. On 15 July, the RSF stated that it accepted a ceasefire but rejected any requirement for withdrawal as a precondition for negotiations. 

REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMACY

• Port Sudan authorities formally rejected South Sudan's decision to include the disputed Abyei region within electoral constituencies for the country's upcoming general elections. 

• On 9 July, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling on the EU to consider designating the RSF as a terrorist organisation. The resolution also condemned external support for the RSF ,calling on states-including the UAE to cease financing, arming, or otherwise supporting the RSF. 

• G7 foreign ministers issued a joint statement on 14 July, ramping up efforts to prevent further atrocities in Sudan, particularly around El Obeid, while continuing efforts to advance a humanitarian truce and broader political negotiations.  

• Ahead of the Quintet’s planned talks in Addis Ababa, UN Personal Envoy Haavisto held regional consultations with stakeholders, while U.S. Senior Advisor Boulos held diplomatic talks in Cairo. 

• On 27 July, the League of Arab States announced plans to develop a comprehensive framework for Sudan's reconstruction, including partnerships to support infrastructure rehabilitation and smart transport systems.

ARMED CONFLICT

• On 26 July, Assistant Commander-in-Chief Lt. Gen. Yasser Al-Atta said SAF operations would continue under directives from army chief Burhan to "cleanse the country" and advance military operations westward to the border with the Central African Republic.

• On 27 July, SAF Commander Burhan visited recently recaptured areas in North Kordofan, including Umm Sayala, following the SAF's latest offensive. He was accompanied by senior military commanders and allied force leaders during the field visit.

• On 27 July, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) appeared in a televised address following recent military developments in North Kordofan, calling on his forces to adopt new combat tactics and warning against the activities of a "fifth column" within RSF-controlled areas. 

• Following the SAF's recent advances in North Kordofan, RSF launched a series of attacks across several areas in the state, as the RSF seeks to regain lost positions and disrupt the SAF's recent territorial gains.

Northern State

• At least eight people were killed and 14 injured after heavy fighting erupted between armed groups in Al-Dabbah, Northern State. The clashes purportedly involved groups accused of drug trafficking. A drone strike, reportedly carried out by the RSF, hit  Al-Dabbah's electricity substation and several military positions used by SAF and the Joint Forces. The attack cut electricity across the town and injured one person.

Darfur

• Escalating competition for control of areas across North and West Darfur raises concern about an expansion of hostilities across the region. In the last couple of weeks, both the RSF and SAF announced operations and territorial gains around Kulbus and Abu Qamra. While armed movements aligned with SAF accused RSF of attacking villages in Ambro locality, North Darfur. The developments highlight the continued volatility across the Darfur region, where military offensives and attacks on rural communities continue alongside broader efforts by both RSF and SAF and allied groups to consolidate territorial control.

North Darfur

• The targeted areas of Abu Qumra, Khazan Orshi and Umm Baru remain heavily contested frontlines, with control frequently shifting.

• Yale Humanitarian Research Lab documented arson attacks in Ambro administrative unit, in four predominantly Zaghawa communities.

• At least 21 civilians were killed and dozens injured after a drone strike targeted a key water source in Tina on 21 July. The attack disrupted access to water for local communities amid continued insecurity in the area. 

• A drone strike on 21 July on the Bamna border area killed two and injured seven civilians.

South Darfur

• Sudanese human rights activists raised concerns over conditions in detention facilities in South Darfur following reports of deaths among detainees and allegations of abuse. 

• The Emergency Lawyer Group warned the public about fake photos of people purportedly imprisoned in Nyala, who have actually been detained in SAF areas. 

• The Sudanese Journalists' Syndicate expressed concern over the deteriorating health of three female journalists detained by the RSF in Nyala and renewed calls for their immediate release and access to medical care.

West Darfur

• Fighting and exchange of control between the RSF and the SAF-allied Joint Forces in Kulbus and the surrounding villages has led to the displacement of thousands of civilians, with many seeking shelter in neighboring Chad.

White Nile

• Drone attacks continued to affect areas around Kosti, where renewed strikes targeted fuel warehouses and transport infrastructure, raising concerns over the vulnerability of critical civilian infrastructure. The repeated targeting of fuel depots and transport networks raises concerns over the disruption of civilian services and commercial activity, while highlighting the increasing use of drones to strike critical civilian infrastructure located far from active frontlines.

North Kordofan

• At least 30 people were killed or injured in an attack on a market in North Kordofan. UNICEF condemned the violence and reiterated that attacks affecting civilians and civilian infrastructure continue to place children at grave risk. 

• SAF announced that they had retaken Bara, Umm Sayala, Jabrat Al-Sheikh, and other strategic locations in North Kordofan following a two-day offensive. SAF said it had also secured the Al-Sadarat Highway, restoring control of the main route linking Omdurman and El Obeid. Control remains fragile, as RSF troops remain located in several villages near the road.  

• The Emergency Lawyers Group documented aerial attacks across North Kordofan, targeting civilian infrastructure between 24-26 July.

South Kordofan

• The siege on Dilling has cut off all supply routes, with some residents resorting to eating leaves and leather to survive. 

• In a 29 July report, SUWRA highlights the severe protection concerns in the State, particularly in SPLM-N controlled areas, including Heiban and Kauda. 

Blue Nile

• SAF announced they had taken control of Al-Kurmuk following military operations against the RSF. According to SAF, its forces seized the areas of Sarkam and Makja and destroyed dozens of RSF combat vehicles, tanks, and other military equipment and ammunition.

HUMANITARIAN

• Cholera continues to spread across Sudan, with OCHA reporting 170 new deaths since May. Sudan Doctors Network said 200,000 people in North Kordofan are at risk with outbreaks of cholera and measles. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the destruction of health infrastructure and limited access to healthcare are increasing the risk of further transmission across affected states, particularly in Kordofan and Darfur.

• Sudan’s Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) accused the RSF of attacking a humanitarian convoy carrying 50 tonnes of flour to El Obeid, North Kordofan. 

• The former UN Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan argued that Sudan's humanitarian response requires greater accountability alongside increased funding. 

• A New Humanitarian report examines how UK immigration and resettlement policies have affected Sudanese refugees, highlighting challenges in accessing safe and legal pathways despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis. 

• Healthcare infrastructure continues to be targeted, with the Sudan Doctors Network reporting on RSF’s looting and militarizing Jabrat al-Sheikh Hospital in North Kordofan. Insecurity Insight’s July report includes attacks this month on hospitals in Blue Nile and North Darfur. 

• Residents across Khartoum continue to face severe water shortages despite the city's location along the Nile. Damage to water infrastructure, electricity outages, fuel shortages, and disrupted pumping stations have significantly reduced access to clean water in many neighborhoods. 

• Sudan's Minister of Health said recent U.S. sanctions are not expected to affect the country's health sector, stating that medicines and medical supplies remain exempt under humanitarian provisions and that efforts are underway to maintain essential health services.

• The Blue Nile Civil Society Initiative issued an urgent appeal on 27 July, calling for urgent humanitarian and health assistance due to severe conditions during the rainy season.

NATURAL RESOURCES

• On 13 July, the European Council banned the purchase, import or transfer of gold originating from Sudan and restricted exports of chemical inputs used in gold mining. This moves beyond the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation, which only designated gold from conflict areas as conflict gold, and not transit countries. 

• On 16 July, the UK imposed sanctions on 11 individuals and entities involved in illicit gold trading and financial networks that it said are helping sustain Sudan's conflict. According to the UK government, the measures target networks facilitating the trade of conflict gold and providing financial support to armed actors, forming part of wider efforts to disrupt the economic foundations of the war.

• The UN Human Rights Office warned that the looting and smuggling of gum arabic through neighboring countries has become an important source of financing for Sudan's war economy, particularly benefiting the RSF. The UN said the illicit trade highlights how Sudan's natural resources continue to finance the conflict while depriving the population of an important source of legitimate income.

• Sudan's Ministry of Energy blames ongoing nationwide power outages on multiple factors, including the suspension of electricity imports from Ethiopia, damage to power infrastructure, maintenance of generating stations, fuel shortages, and increased seasonal demand. 

• Sudan's Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation said a temporary decline in Blue Nile water levels resulted from reduced discharge from Ethiopia's Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

DOMESTIC NEWS

• On 13 July, a Sudanese Counter-Terrorism Court in Port Sudan sentenced RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) to death in absentia for the 2023 killing of West Darfur’s Governor. The court sentenced 15 others to death, including Hemedti’s brothers Abdel Rahim Hamdan Dagalo and Algoney Hamdan Dagalo Musa.

REPORTS & ANALYSIS

• YCON’s June report highlights intensified violence, expanded military operations, and the erosion of essential services and public institutions.

• A report by The Reckoning Project documented a systematic pattern of air and drone strikes on civilian sites across Darfur, including markets, hospitals, displacement camps, homes, and weddings. Based on survivor testimony and field investigations, the report highlights the repeated targeting of civilian infrastructure and the use of "double-tap" strikes, stating that many of the documented attacks amount to war crimes under international humanitarian law. 

• A joint investigation by Lighthouse Reports, Evident, and Sudan War Monitor examines the cross-border network supporting the RSF from Libya. Combining on-the-ground reporting in eastern Libya with open-source analysis, the investigation identifies training camps, supply routes, and logistical infrastructure used to sustain the RSF.

• An Associated Press investigation published on June 30th presents testimonies from former child soldiers who describe recruitment into the RSF, training by Colombian mercenaries, and abuses during the conflict. The report also examines foreign support networks linked to RSF operations.

If there is anything specifically you would like to see from this newsletter or if you have any feedback, we would love to hear from you. Please write to us at sudannews@paema.ngo.

النسخة العربية

ملخص أخبار السودان:

• استعادت القوات المسلحة السودانية السيطرة على بارا والعديد من المواقع الاستراتيجية المحيطة بها في شمال كردفان عقب هجوم عسكري استمر يومين، في 25 و26 يوليو. وتقدمت العمليات من رهيد النوبة مروراً بأم سيالة وبارا وجبرة الشيخ، وبلغت ذروتها بإعادة فتح طريق الصدرات الاستراتيجي الذي يربط بين أم درمان والأبيض. ويُعد هذا التطور أحد أهم التقدمات الميدانية للقوات المسلحة السودانية في شمال كردفان خلال الأشهر الأخيرة.

• نقلت وكالة رويترز أنباءً عن تقرير مسرب صادر عن لجنة خبراء تابعة للأمم المتحدة، يكشف عن أدلة على وجود شبكة أعمال تابعة لمقاول عسكري أمريكي، شملت طائرات من طراز بوينغ 727، استُخدمت لنقل المرتزقة والأسلحة والطائرات المسيرة لصالح قوات الدعم السريع. ويُزعم أن التقرير يتضمن أيضًا أدلة على دعم مرتزقة كولومبيين لقوات الدعم السريع، مع وجود صلات بمجموعة «جلوبال سيكيوريتي سيرفيسز» التي تتخذ من الإمارات العربية المتحدة مقرًا لها.

• في 13 يوليو، حظر المجلس الأوروبي شراء الذهب أو استيراده أو نقله من السودان، وفرض قيودًا على تصدير المواد الكيميائية المستخدمة في تعدين الذهب متجاوزًا بذلك لائحة الاتحاد الأوروبي بشأن "المعادن المرتبطة بالنزاعات"، التي اكتفت بتصنيف الذهب المستخرج من مناطق النزاع على أنه "ذهب النزاع"، دون أن تشمل بلدان العبور.

حقوق الإنسان

• اتهمت منظمة العفو الدولية قوات الدعم السريع بارتكاب جرائم ضد الإنسانية وأعمال تطهير عرقي خلال العمليات العسكرية في الفاشر، شمال دارفور. ووثّق التقرير انتهاكات واسعة النطاق ضد المدنيين، ودعا إلى وقف فوري لإطلاق النار، إلى جانب نشر قوة دولية مستقلة لحماية المدنيين.

• نقلت وكالة رويترز أنباءً عن تقرير مسرب صادر عن لجنة خبراء تابعة للأمم المتحدة، يكشف عن أدلة على وجود شبكة أعمال تابعة لمقاول عسكري أمريكي، تشمل طائرات من طراز بوينغ 727، تُستخدم لنقل المرتزقة والأسلحة والطائرات المسيرة لصالح قوات الدعم السريع. ويُزعم أن التقرير يتضمن أيضًا أدلة على دعم مرتزقة كولومبيين لقوات الدعم السريع، مع وجود صلات بمجموعة "جلوبال سيكيوريتي سيرفيسز" التي تتخذ من الإمارات العربية المتحدة مقرًا لها.

• أبلغت المحكمة الجنائية الدولية مجلس الأمن التابع للأمم المتحدة بأنها حققت تقدمًا كبيرًا في تحقيقاتها بشأن الجرائم المزعومة التي ارتُكبت في دارفور. وصرحت نائبة المدعي العام خان بأن المحققين حصلوا على أدلة قوية تربط الجرائم المرتكبة في دارفور بقيادات على مستويات عليا. وفي 23 يوليو، أعلنت المحكمة الجنائية الدولية إنهاء الإجراءات القضائية ضد عبد الله باندا أباكر نورين، القيادي السابق في حركة العدالة والمساواة.

• أدانت نقابة الصحفيين السودانيين احتجاز الصحفية مها الطالب ونقل الصحفي نادر عطا من الخرطوم إلى بورت سودان لاستجوابه، واصفةً هذه الحوادث بأنها جزء من القيود المتزايدة التي يتعرض لها الصحفيون والعاملون في مجال الإعلام. بالإضافة إلى ذلك، أعربت النقابة عن قلقها إزاء تدهور الحالة الصحية لثلاث صحفيات محتجزات لدى قوات الدعم السريع في نيالا، وجددت دعواتها للإفراج الفوري عنهن وتوفير الرعاية الطبية لهن.

• في 14 يوليو، حكمت محكمة عسكرية تابعة للحركة الشعبية لتحرير السودان - الشمال (SPLM-N) على الناشطة في جبال النوبة، نجوى موسى كاوندا، بالسجن لمدة عام واحد.

عمليات السلام والوساطة

• لا تزال هناك خلافات جوهرية بين القوات المسلحة السودانية وقوات الدعم السريع بشأن الترتيبات الأمنية الواردة في اقتراح وقف إطلاق النار الأمريكي الذي تم الكشف عنه، والذي ينص على انسحاب تدريجي للقوات من مناطق محددة تحت إشراف دولي، في حين تصر القوات المسلحة السودانية على أن أي عملية سلام يجب أن يسبقها انسحاب شامل لقوات الدعم السريع من جميع الأراضي الخاضعة لسيطرتها. وفي 15 يوليو، أعلنت قوات الدعم السريع قبولها لوقف إطلاق النار، لكنها رفضت أي شرط بالانسحاب كشرط مسبق للمفاوضات.

• اختتم تحالف "إعلان المبادئ السوداني" اجتماعاته في نيروبي يوم 21 يوليو، حيث أقر رؤية سياسية مشتركة وخريطة طريق للمرحلة المقبلة من العملية السياسية. وأفاد المشاركون بأن الوثيقة ستوجه جهودهم قبل انطلاق المشاورات التي ستتولى الخماسية تنظيمها.

• وفي 21 يوليو أيضًا في نيروبي، عقدت الإيقاد المنتدى الثالث للمبعوثين والممثلين الخاصين تحت شعار "تنسيق جهود الوساطة الإقليمية والدولية من أجل عملية السلام في السودان".

• تواجه المناقشات السياسية المقررة التي تنظّمها الخماسية، والمقرر عقدها في 31 يوليو في أديس أبابا، تحديات كبيرة، حيث أعلنت العديد من الأطراف، بما في ذلك تحالف صمود مقاطعتها.

الشؤون الدبلوماسية الإقليمية والدولية

• لرفضت سلطات بورسودان رسمياً قرار جنوب السودان بإدراج منطقة أبيي المتنازع عليها ضمن الدوائر الانتخابية للانتخابات العامة المقبلة في البلاد.

• في 9 يوليو، اعتمد البرلمان الأوروبي قراراً يدعو الاتحاد الأوروبي إلى النظر في تصنيف قوات الدعم السريع كمنظمة إرهابية. كما أدان القرار الدعم الخارجي المقدم إلى قوات الدعم السريع، داعياً الدول، بما في ذلك الإمارات العربية المتحدة، إلى الكف عن تمويل قوات الدعم السريع أو تسليحها أو دعمها بأي شكل آخر.

• أصدر وزراء خارجية دول مجموعة السبع بياناً مشتركاً في 14 يوليو، أعلنوا فيه عن تكثيف الجهود لمنع وقوع المزيد من الفظائع في السودان، لا سيما في منطقة الأبيض، مع مواصلة الجهود للتوصل إلى هدنة إنسانية ومفاوضات سياسية أوسع نطاقاً.

• قبل المحادثات المقررة للخماسية في أديس أبابا، أجرى المبعوث الشخصي للأمم المتحدة هافيستو مشاورات إقليمية مع الأطراف المعنية السودانية، في حين أجرى المستشار الأمريكي بولوس محادثات دبلوماسية في القاهرة.

• في 27 يوليو، أعلنت جامعة الدول العربية عن خطط لوضع إطار شامل لإعادة إعمار السودان، بما في ذلك إقامة شراكات لدعم إعادة تأهيل البنية التحتية وأنظمة النقل الذكية.

إذا كان هناك أي موضوع محدد ترغبون في متابعته من خلال هذا المرصد الإخباري، أو إذا كانت لديكم أي ملاحظات، يسعدنا أن نتلقى رسائلكم. يرجى مراسلتنا على البريد الإلكتروني: sudannews@paema.ngo