Sudan: UNSC to discuss protection of civilians & humanitarian consequences of ongoing conflict in N. Kordofan, Blue Nile. 200K displaced across Kordofan

From Security Council Report

What's In Blue 
Posted Friday 21 August 2026 - excerpts:

Sudan: Briefing

On Monday morning (24 August), the Security Council will hold an open briefing on Sudan. Denmark, the Council president in August, requested the meeting to discuss the protection of civilians and the humanitarian consequences of the ongoing conflict. Denmark’s Foreign Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, is expected to chair the meeting. [...]

DiCarlo is likely to provide an overview of the deteriorating security situation, which has been particularly volatile in North Kordofan state. El Obeid, the state capital, has faced mounting pressure amid a significant build-up of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied fighters around the city. Repeated drone strikes have targeted critical civilian infrastructure in and around El Obeid, including power and fuel facilities, forcing medical facilities and water stations to shut down. As the hostilities have continued, displacement sites in the city have expanded with people fleeing violence in surrounding areas. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 200,000 people have been displaced across the wider Kordofan region since late 2025. (For more information, see our 4 August What’s in Blue story.)

In Blue Nile state, the security and humanitarian situation deteriorated following the expansion of fighting around the town of Kurmuk and other areas along the Ethiopian border. After the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) retook control of Kurmuk from the RSF in July, media reports indicated that the SAF had discovered a mass grave containing the remains of 25 people, including women, children, and hospital staff. Earlier this month, hostilities broke out again in both Kurmuk and the town of Geisan, killing civilians and driving displacement. Media reports indicated that the RSF, together with the allied Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), led by Abdel Aziz al-Hilu, had retaken the towns. The fighting has raised concerns about the further regionalisation of the conflict, particularly amid allegations of external support to the RSF. These include claims that Ethiopian territory has been used as a supply conduit for RSF operations and that the latest RSF offensive in Blue Nile was launched from inside Ethiopia.

On Monday, the briefers and some Council members may highlight how the increasing use of drones and other advanced weaponry is intensifying civilian suffering and expanding the geographic reach of the conflict. Attacks are increasingly affecting populated areas and critical infrastructure. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), armed drones accounted for 80 percent of civilian deaths in the first half of this year, hitting markets, health facilities, and other civilian sites.

DiCarlo might describe the efforts by regional and international interlocutors to identify avenues for de-escalation and bring an end to the conflict. In late July and early August, the Quintet—comprising the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the League of Arab States (LAS), and the UN—held consultations in Addis Ababa with Sudanese political blocs and parties, including representatives of the Coordination of National Forces, Democratic Bloc, National Movement Forces, and Umma Party. The latest discussions built on the Quintet’s initial engagement with a group of Sudanese civilian actors on the sidelines of the third international Sudan conference, held in Berlin on 15 April, and further consultations in early June.

On 10 August, media reports indicated that SAF leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan had held consultations with political and civil society actors aimed at preparing for a comprehensive intra-Sudanese dialogue conference. The discussions reportedly resulted in agreement on several confidence-building measures, including the suspension of charges carrying the death penalty against some political figures—mainly those associated with former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok—and on the establishment of a preparatory committee for the conference.

On 16 and 17 August, a delegation of the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) undertook a field visit to Sudan, during which it met with senior Sudanese officials, including Burhan and Transitional Prime Minister Kamil El-Tayeb Idris. Discussions covered the country’s political, security, socioeconomic, and humanitarian situation, as well as governance challenges and efforts towards an inclusive national dialogue. The AU has sought to reopen its liaison office in Sudan to facilitate engagement with stakeholders at different levels and provide technical support to the country. (Sudan’s membership in the AU was suspended in the wake of the country’s 2021 military coup d’état.) [...]

View original: 

https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/whatsinblue/2026/08/sudan-briefing-8.php

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Further reading

Madamasr.com - August 21, 2026

Sudan Nashra: Burhan offers temporary immunity for internal dialogue participants | AU Peace, Security Council in Khartoum | Khartoum, Riyadh establish bilateral coordination council | Second-largest single group RSF defection arrive in Northern State

Photo: TSC Chair Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and a delegation from the African Union’s Peace and Security Council meet in Khartoum, August 16. Courtesy: The TSC

https://www.madamasr.com/en/2026/08/21/news/politics/sudan-nashra-burhan-offers-temporary-immunity-for-internal-dialogue-participants-au-peace-security-council-in-khartoum-khartoum-riyadh-establish-bilateral-coordination-council-second-largest/

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Madamasr.com - August 14, 2026

Sudan Nashra: In cross-border offensive, RSF seizes Blue Nile’s Geisan, recaptures Kurmuk | Military repels major RSF attack on North Kordofan’s Gabra al-Sheikh | After clashes inside Kauda, SPLM-N-Otoro fighting spreads to nearby villages | Kordofan governor in RSF-led govt defects | Back-to-back Sudanese visits to Juba in mutual push to contain border, Abyei tensions

Photo: RSF fighters and their allies, the SPLM-N (Hilu) forces led by Joseph Toka, attack the town of Geisan in Blue Nile state, August 11. Courtesy: Sudan War Monitor

https://www.madamasr.com/en/2026/08/14/news/politics/sudan-nashra-in-cross-border-offensive-rsf-seizes-blue-niles-geisan-recaptures-kurmuk-military-repels-major-rsf-attack-on-north-kordofans-gabra-al-sheikh-after-clashes-inside/

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Grave violations against 1,681 children in Sudan. CRSV in Darfur could be crimes against humanity

From What's In Blue 
Dated Thursday 25 June 2026 - excerpts:

Sudan: Briefing and Consultations

Tomorrow morning (26 June), the Security Council will hold an open briefing, followed by closed consultations, on Sudan. The meeting is being held pursuant to resolution 2715 of 1 December 2023, which requested the Secretary-General to provide a briefing every 120 days on the “UN’s efforts to support Sudan on its path towards peace and stability”. [...]

Colombia, in its capacity as Council president for June and in the absence of a Chair of the 1591 Sudan Sanctions Committee, is expected to deliver a statement on the work of the Committee. Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan Pekka Haavisto will brief in the closed consultations. [...]

Over the past several weeks, regional and international interlocutors have expressed alarm over the escalating situation in El Obeid, drawing comparisons with the RSF’s October 2025 offensive and subsequent takeover of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state. That offensive was accompanied by widespread violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL), including reports of mass killings, summary executions, abductions, arbitrary detention, and other abuses against civilians. 

In an 18 June statement, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk warned that an imminent offensive on El Obeid “risked fresh commission of serious international crimes and deepening the catastrophic impact on an already beleaguered civilian population”. [...]

In recent weeks, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that repeated drone strikes have targeted critical civilian infrastructure in and around El Obeid, including power, fuel, and water facilities, as well as displacement sites.

Some members may also highlight broader protection concerns, including widespread conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). In this regard, there may be reference to the 23 June report published by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which documents patterns and trends of CRSV in Sudan since the outbreak of the conflict on 15 April 2023 to mid-April this year, including links to conflict dynamics. The report noted that CRSV has been perpetrated in conjunction with systematic and coordinated attacks against civilians as a tactic of war, including as retaliation against individuals perceived to be affiliated with opposing parties and as part of ethnically motivated attacks. It found that there are reasonable grounds to believe that some acts of sexual violence committed in Darfur, in the context of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population, may amount to crimes against humanity. [...]

Tomorrow, Sulieman and several Council members are likely to highlight the devastating impact of the conflict on children, particularly in light of the escalating hostilities in and around El Obeid. They are expected to express deep concern about the continued perpetration of grave violations against children in Sudan. (The six grave violations, as determined by the Security Council, are child recruitment and use; killing and maiming; rape and other forms of sexual violence; attacks on schools and hospitals; abductions; and the denial of humanitarian access.) The Secretary-General’s latest annual report on children and armed conflict, dated 16 June and covering developments in 2025, verified 1,889 grave violations against 1,681 children in Sudan.

During the closed consultations, Haavisto is expected to provide an update on ongoing initiatives to address the crisis in Sudan, including his engagement with the Sudanese parties, consultations with key regional and international interlocutors, and efforts to coordinate various peace initiatives. Between 3 and 5 June, the Quintet—comprising the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the League of Arab States (LAS), and the UN—held consultations in Addis Ababa with a broad spectrum of Sudanese political and civilian stakeholders. 

A press release issued after the meetings noted that discussions focused on possible pathways towards the establishment of a preparatory committee for an inclusive inter-Sudanese political dialogue. The latest discussions built on the Quintet’s initial engagement with a group of Sudanese civilian actors on the sidelines of the international Sudan conference held in Berlin on 15 April. 

On 7 June, Haavisto visited Sudan, where he met with SAF leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and several other senior Sudanese officials. He also held discussions with political figures, women civil society leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, and the UN Country Team. This was his second visit to Sudan following his appointment on 24 February. According to a UN readout, Haavisto’s discussions focused on UN-led efforts to promote de-escalation and confidence-building measures among the parties. During his meeting with Burhan, he also discussed the Quintet’s recent consultations in Addis Ababa and efforts to advance an inclusive political process.

On 19 June, Haavisto held a telephone conversation with RSF leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, during which he underscored the urgent need to de-escalate the situation in and around El Obeid and avoid any actions that could further exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation. In a briefing earlier today (25 June), Haavisto said that he plans to visit Kenya, Chad, South Sudan, and Uganda in the coming weeks as part of his ongoing regional outreach. He expressed hope that the Quad group—comprising Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the US—could help secure a humanitarian truce. In his assessment of the conflict dynamics, he noted that both sides still appear to believe that military gains remain achievable. At the same time, he underscored that regional actors, including Gulf countries, are increasingly rejecting the notion of a military solution.

Haavisto also met with US Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos on 23 June. According to a post by Boulos on X, the two discussed the Quintet’s ongoing efforts to advance an inclusive, Sudanese-led civilian political dialogue, as well as ways to ensure unhindered humanitarian access for the UN and its humanitarian partners. Boulos further noted that he will participate in tomorrow’s Council meeting, during which he intends to emphasise the need for international support for a humanitarian truce, a pathway towards a permanent ceasefire, and an inclusive Sudanese-led political dialogue and civilian-led transition.

View original: https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/whatsinblue/2026/06/sudan-briefing-and-consultations-13.php

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AU officials call for stronger solidarity as Africa confronts rising security, political challenges

"Addressing the opening session, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) Mohammed Ali Youssouf said the upcoming 39th Ordinary Summit of the African Union is scheduled to take place from February 14 to 16, 2025. 

He noted that the summit will focus heavily on peace and security challenges, particularly the situations in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan and Libya.

“The Commission will endeavor to use all available means to find solutions,” Youssouf said. He added, “The Peace and Security Council will act promptly and dynamically to address the various crises facing our nations.”' Story:

From Ethiopian News Agency (ENA)
Addis Ababa, Monday 12 January 2026 - full copy:

AU Officials Call for Stronger Solidarity as Africa Confronts Rising Security, Political Challenges

Addis Ababa, January 12, 2026 (ENA)—African Union (AU) officials have underlined that unity and close collaboration among Member States are indispensable to confronting the continent’s mounting security, political and economic challenges.

The 51st Ordinary Session of the AU Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) opened today at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa.

Held under the theme “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation,” the session brings together ambassadors accredited to the African Union, senior officials of the African Union Commission and representatives of various AU organs to review pressing continental issues ahead of the next AU Summit.

Addressing the opening session, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) Mohammed Ali Youssouf said the upcoming 39th Ordinary Summit of the African Union is scheduled to take place from February 14 to 16, 2025. 

He noted that the summit will focus heavily on peace and security challenges, particularly the situations in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan and Libya.

“The Commission will endeavor to use all available means to find solutions,” Youssouf said. He added, “The Peace and Security Council will act promptly and dynamically to address the various crises facing our nations.”

The Chairperson further stressed that the current international environment has become increasingly complex, making solidarity among African countries more critical than ever. 

He urged Member States to adjust to present realities and strengthen reliance on domestic resources while safeguarding collective interests.

Chairperson of the PRC to the African Union, Ambassador Professor Miguel Cesar Domingos Bembe, echoed these concerns, pointing to persistent and unresolved conflicts across the continent.

 “Unresolved conflicts continue to plague regions such as eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Libya and the Sahel,” Bembe said. 

He also noted that Madagascar has recently experienced an unconstitutional change in government, while Benin narrowly avoided a similar crisis.

Bembe emphasized the Commission’s determination to address peace and security challenges using all available mechanisms, including the work of Commissioners, Special Envoys and the Panel of the Wise. 

“The Peace and Security Council is acting with necessary speed and dynamism to respond promptly to various crises,” he stated.

He further highlighted ongoing institutional reforms, particularly within the peace and security architecture, aimed at strengthening stability and resilience across the continent.

Referring to the broader global context, Bembe said declining financial resources, rising tariff barriers and restrictive visa regimes are increasingly affecting African countries and limiting the free movement of people. 

He called on Member States to remain adaptable, promote self-reliance and sustain strategic partnerships, even as global trends shift toward protectionism and unilateralism.

Delegates are expected to review the agenda over the next fifteen days, with the African Union Commission providing technical and administrative support throughout the process.

View original: https://www.ena.et/web/eng/w/eng_8099793

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Sudanese people must pressure the African Union to do its job and not wait for the international community currently addressing 59 active conflicts

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: Africa is a large rich continent comprising 54 countries. This is more than any other continent.

Sudan is an African country. Sudanese people are African. After more than twenty years since its inception during which time it has attracted billions of dollars of funding, aid and support, the African Union (aka AU) has failed Darfur, El Fasher and countless cities across Sudan and South Sudan.

In my view, after 22 years at Sudan Watch, the only way Sudanese people can help their people survive, save their homeland, natural riches and the creation of jobs, is to pressure the African Union into doing its job, demand a high standard of service, not settling for anything less than the best.

Leaders of the African Union need to be put under pressure to take immediate action or step aside for better qualified people to help and support Africans in Africa's war zones that the international community cannot quickly reach and is not welcomed or viewed as a long term solution.

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Note:

"The international community is currently addressing 59 active conflicts across more than 35 countries, marking the highest level of global conflict since the end of the Second World War. This situation reflects a significant increase in violence and fragmentation, with the number of state-based armed conflicts reaching a record high in 2024."

Source: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) 

https://www.icrc.org/en/article/icrc-2024-upholding-humanity-conflict

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UNSC October 2025 Monthly Forecast: Security Council & wider UN structure, focus on UN-AU cooperation, peace & security in Africa, UNOAU

Note, for the whole month of October 2025 Russia will hold the presidency of the UN Security Council. 

"Russia plans to organise one signature event, an open debate on the 80th anniversary of the UN under the “Maintenance of international peace and security” agenda item. The meeting will be held on UN Day (24 October), which marks the entry into force of the UN Charter. Secretary-General António Guterres is expected to brief." 

Read more from Security Council Report What’s In Blue, and download complete Monthly Forecast PDF here below containing a section titled "The Middle East, including the Palestinian Question". 

What’s In Blue

Dated Tuesday 30 September 2025 - excerpt:

October 2025 Monthly Forecast 

SECURITY COUNCIL AND WIDER UN STRUCTURE

UN-AU Cooperation

Expected Council Action

In October, the Council is expected to hold a briefing on cooperation between the UN and regional and sub-regional organisations, focusing on the African Union (AU). Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the AU and Head of the UN Office to the AU (UNOAU) Parfait Onanga-Anyanga is the anticipated briefer. Onanga-Anyanga is expected to present the Secretary-General’s annual report on strengthening the partnership between the UN and the AU on issues of peace and security in Africa, including the work of the UNOAU, during the meeting.

Full report: 

https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/monthly-forecast/2025-10/un-au-cooperation-5.php

Download complete Monthly Forecast: PDF

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What’s In Blue

Dated Wednesday 01 October 2025 - excerpt:

Security Council Programme of Work for October 2025

“The 19th annual joint consultative meeting between the Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) will be held on 17 October. The annual meeting rotates between New York and Addis Ababa, the home of the AU headquarters. This year, the meeting will be held in Addis Ababa, and it will be preceded by the tenth informal joint seminar of the Security Council and the AUPSC, which is set to take place on 16 October. […]

Other issues, including Iran (non-proliferation) and Sudan, could be raised during the month depending on developments.”

Full report:

https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/whatsinblue/2025/10/security-council-programme-of-work-for-october-2025.php

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