SUDAN WATCH

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Wagner boss Prigozhin killed in plane crash in Russia

GOOD riddance to bad rubbish. At least Prigozhin's not creating any more misery or harming anyone anymore. Commentators online warned him to stay away from windows and not accept food or drink from Mr Putin. This sort of thing used to befall African leaders but usually involved helicopters.

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Breaking news from the BBC 2 mins ago 18:14 PM BST Wed 23 Aug 2023:

Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin killed in plane crash in Russia, with nine other people on board also dead

View original: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-66599733

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UPDATE 1

Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin was on the passenger list of a jet which crashed killing all on board, Russia's civil aviation authority has said.

Earlier, Wagner-linked Telegram channel Grey Zone reported the Embraer aircraft was shot down by air defences in the Tver region, north of Moscow.

The jet, which was flying from Moscow to St Petersburg, was carrying seven passengers and three crew.

Prigozhin led a failed mutiny against the Russian armed forces in June.

Grey Zone said local residents heard two bangs before the crash and saw two vapour trails.

Tass news agency said the plane caught fire on hitting the ground, adding that four bodies had already been found.

The aircraft had been in the air for less than half an hour, it said.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

View original: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-66599733

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Summary - BBC News Live Reporting 19:38 PM BST Wed 23 Aug 2023

Wagner mercenary group boss Yevgeny Prigozhin was on the list of passengers on an aircraft that crashed in the Tver Region, Russian authorities say
The Russian Emergencies Ministry has said that private aircraft “came down” near the village of Kuzhenkino - and all were killed
The ministry says the jet was flying from Moscow to St Petersburg, and that 10 people, including three crew members, were on board
Eight bodies have been found at the crash site, according to Russian news agency. It's not been confirmed if Prigozhin was amongst those
Prigozhin has been keeping a low public profile since heading his short-lived mutiny in June, which lasted only 24 hours
He last appearing in a video earlier this week which was said to have been filmed in an unspecified location in Africa
The Wagner mercenary group was founded in 2014 and was highly active in the Ukraine war until the June mutiny

View original: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-66599774

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UPDATE 2

Follow live updates here.

You can receive Breaking News on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on Twitter to get the latest alerts.

View original: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-66599733

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UPDATE 3

From BBC Live Reporting 8:48 PM BST Wed 23 Aug 2023 - full copy:

Written by Frank Gardner

BBC News, Security Correspondent

Prigozhin had been labelled a dead man walking

"A dead man walking" is how several Russia watchers have been describing the mercenary Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin ever since he led his mutinous march on Moscow in late June.

President Putin’s initial reaction to that challenge to Russia’s defence establishment was vitriolic, calling it a betrayal and a stab in the back in a video message on 24 June.

The fact that a deal was then hastily cobbled together that saw Prigozhin remain at large and subsequently pop up in Belarus, St Petersburg and this week, somewhere in Africa, did not mean he was safe.

"Revenge" commented the CIA Director William Burns, "is a dish Putin prefers served cold" or words to that effect.

None of this, of course, is proof that Prigozhin and his entourage were deliberately targeted.

But given the circumstances any claims that his demise, if confirmed, was an accident will see a lot of eyebrows raised.

Click here to view original.

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UPDATE 4

From BBC News Live Reporting 18:45 PM Wed 23 Aug 2023 BST - full copy:

Prigozhin's first video address since mutiny

TELEGRAM/GREY ZONE

A caption posted with the video on Telegram suggests Yevgeny Prigozhin was in an African country

Image caption: A caption posted with the video on Telegram suggests Yevgeny Prigozhin was in an African country

Yesterday we were reporting that Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin had appeared in his first video address since his failed mutiny in Russia.

The video, which suggested he was in Africa, was posted on Telegram channels linked to the Wagner mercenary group.

It showed Prigozhin in combat gear, saying the group is making Africa "more free".

The BBC has not been able to verify where the video was filmed.

Wagner is believed to have thousands of fighters on the continent, where it has lucrative business interests.

Data shows second plane flew towards Moscow

Some Russian Telegram channels have speculated that Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin might have been on a different plane to the one that crashed today.

The other jet, another Embraer 600, has a registration number RA-02748.

The plane's flight records are partially inaccessible through FlightRadar24, a popular aircraft tracking website.

But data shows it departed from St Petersburg earlier today and flew towards Moscow. The trail disappears near Ostafyevo airport in the Russian capital.

The BBC has been unable to confirm if he was on board.

Click here to view original.

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UPDATE 8

From BBC News Live Reporting

BREAKING

20:36 PM Wed 23 Aug 2023

Prigozhin dead, says Wagner-linked Telegram channel

A Telegram channel linked to Yevgeny Prigozhin has said the Wagner leader is dead.

Grey Zone said he was "killed as a result of actions by traitors of Russia".

Click here to view original.

View ongoing continuously updated main report at BBC News online:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-66599733

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Sudan: 9,000+ IDPs in N. Darfur receive essentials

News release from International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
Dated Wednesday 23 August 2023 - here is a full copy:

Ecosec Distribution in North Darfur

Sudan: Over 9,000 displaced people in North Darfur receive essential items

Wad Madani (ICRC) – This week, over 9,000 displaced people in Jokhii village, west of Al Fashir, the capital of North Darfur State, received essential household items from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS).

Fighting in several localities in North Darfur has forced the population to flee to Al Fashir and nearby villages to seek safety.

"People live in dire conditions, under the pouring rain and the scorching sun," says Mohamed Ishaq, ICRC economic security officer in North Darfur.

"Some stay in makeshift shelters made of tree branches and ragged garments, as they managed to take almost nothing when they fled their villages."

Each family received items like tarps, mosquito nets, blankets, jerry cans, buckets, sleeping mats, clothes, kitchen sets, and hygiene kits for women.

The aid aims to improve the displaced people's living conditions and restore a sense of dignity.

Together with the SRCS, the ICRC has provided relief and essential assistance to thousands of displaced people since the outbreak of the conflict in Sudan in mid-April.

For more information, please contact:

Adnan Hezam, tel: +201551680068, email: ahizam@icrc.org

Alyona Synenko, tel: + 254716897265, email: asynenko@icrc.org

View original: https://www.icrc.org/en/document/sudan-over-9000-displaced-people-north-darfur-receive-essential-items

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Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Renewed fighting in Sudan chokes aid delivery: UN

Report at China.org.cn
By Xinhua
Published Wednesday 23 August 2023 - here is a full copy:

Renewed fighting in Sudan chokes aid delivery: UN

UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- UN humanitarians on Tuesday called for an end to renewed clashes in the Sudan conflict to allow for aid delivery to civilians, including in South Darfur and South Kordofan.

"We are deeply concerned about the impact of renewed fighting in several parts of the country," said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

OCHA said the International Organization for Migration reported at least 60 people killed and 250 injured in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur state. As many as 50,000 people fled their homes, and hostilities blocked relief trucks from delivering aid.

Fighting erupted about a week ago between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in the western part of Sudan.

According to the Nyala Emergency Room Initiative humanitarian group, the city is experiencing "catastrophic humanitarian conditions beyond all expectations."

OCHA said that in the capital of South Kordofan state, Kadugli, humanitarian partners reported food stocks were almost completely depleted and that fighting drove some 6,700 people from their homes to other neighborhoods.

"We call on the parties to the conflict in Sudan to cease hostilities and allow for the delivery of life-saving assistance to civilians in need," said the office.

OCHA said only a little more than a quarter of this year's 2.6 billion-U.S. dollar Humanitarian Response Plan for Sudan has been received. Enditem

Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.

View original: http://www.china.org.cn/world/Off_the_Wire/2023-08/23/content_106464030.htm

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Sudan: SAF & SPLM-N clashes in Kadugli, S. Kordofan

Press Release from OCHA - OCHASudan@un.org

Flash Update No. 01

Dated Tuesday 22 August 2023 - here is a full copy:

SUDAN: SAF & SPLM-N clashes in Kadugli, South Kordofan,

Flash Update No. 01 (22 August 2023)

Clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) in Kadugli Town, South Kordofan State

HIGHLIGHTS

• Renewed clashes between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have been reported in Kadugli Town in recent days.

• The government’s Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) in South Kordofan reports that an estimated 6,700 people fled their homes to another part of the town following clashes on 14 August.

• During the fighting, two humanitarian compounds were hit by stray bullets.

• There is a dire shortage of food and nutrition supplies in Kadugli Town.

• Conflict between the SPLM-N and the SAF has been ongoing since mid-June 2023. 

The relocation of critical counterparts has led to the disruption of life-saving interventions.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

On 14 August, clashes between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) Al Hilu faction and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) were reported near the Hajr Al-Maak neighbourhood in Kadugli Town, the state capital of South Kordofan State, forcing at least 6,700 people to flee to Al Radaif neighbourhood in the west of the town, according to the government’s Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) in South Kordofan. These numbers have yet to be verified. In addition, two humanitarian compounds, as well as many public buildings, were hit by stray bullets during the clashes. Humanitarian staff have been advised to restrict their movements in Kadugli Town.   

The humanitarian situation is dire for vulnerable populations in Kadugli. Due to the insecurity, aid workers traveling from out of the area are not able to reach the town. Humanitarian food stocks in Kadugli Town have been depleted, and attempts to bring in more supplies have failed due to insecurity along the road from Dilling to Kadugli and due to the blocking of the road into the town by the SPLM-N. The last food distributions for three months were in May, and those supplies will only last families until the end of this month. Other humanitarian stocks in Kadugli, especially health and nutrition supplies, are also running low.   

On 16 August 2023, there were renewed clashes between the SAF and SPLM-N in Kadugli Town, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM). Due to the fighting and shelling, residents in affected neighbourhoods have reportedly fled to the centre and west of Kadugli Town. The number of people affected is not yet known.   

Fighting between the SPLM-N Al Hilu faction and SAF has been ongoing and escalating in the state since 17 June 2023. To date, nine out of 17 localities have been affected by the clashes, resulting in the displacement of more than 69,400 people.   

 Background  

Kadugli Town is the state capital of South Kordofan State and is located in Kadugli locality. An estimated 160,000 displaced people live in the locality, of whom about 100,000 needed humanitarian assistance even before the conflict, according to the 2023 Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO).

Download the Flash Update here

https://reports.unocha.org/en/country/sudan/flash-update/2ssdvuTvoamtqksQt7q4O/

View original here

https://reports.unocha.org/en/country/sudan/flash-update/2ssdvuTvoamtqksQt7q4O/

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Further Reading

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

Sudan People's Liberation Movement–North

Leaders Abdelaziz al-Hilu; Malik Agar.

Founded 2011

Split from Sudan People's Liberation Movement

Ideology New Sudan

National affiliation Sudan Revolutionary Front

Politics of Sudan

Sudan People's Liberation Movement–North or SPLM–N, is a political party and militant organisation in the Republic of Sudan, based in the states of Blue Nile and South Kordofan.

As of 2017, its two factions, SPLM-N (Agar) and SPLM-N (al-Hilu) were engaged in fighting each other and against the government of Sudan.

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Abdelaziz al-Hilu

Abdelaziz Adam Al-Hilu born 7 July 1954) is a Sudanese politician and the current chairperson of the Sudan People's Liberation Army – SPLA–North.

Biography

Al-Hilu was born in Al-Faydh Umm Abdullah, South Kordofan. He is considered one of the most successful SPLA/M commanders in the history of the SPLA and worked with South Sudan's Leader John Garang in an aim to create a Sudan that is democratic, fair and free to all Sudanese population.

He was born, raised and educated in the Nuba Mountains. He studied Economics in the University of Khartoum, and graduated in 1979. He lost the election for governor of South Kordofan to Ahmed Haroun in a poll rejected by the SPLA as rigged. He had been fighting the Sudan People's Armed Forces in the South Kordofan conflict.

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Malik Agar

Deputy Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council

Incumbent

Assumed office 19 May 2023

Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan

Preceded by Hemedti

Member of the Transitional Sovereignty Council

Governor of Blue Nile State

April 2010 – 2 September 2011

Born Nganyofa Agar Eyre Nganyofa

Ingessana Hills, Blue Nile State, Republic of Sudan

Political party SPLM-N

Occupation Politician, soldier

Military service

Allegiance Sudan People's Liberation Movement

Years of service 1983 - present

Battles/wars Second Sudanese Civil War

Sudanese conflict in South Kordofan and Blue Nile

Malik Agar is a Sudanese politician and insurgent leader active in the insurgency in Blue Nile state. Since 2023, he has been the deputy chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, Sudan's ruling military junta.

Malik Agar was born Nganyofa Agar Eyre Nganyofa to an Ingessana chief in Blue Nile State. He did not know he was a Muslim until he was eight. His headteacher gave him the name "Malik" and told him he was a Muslim. From that day on, he was called "Malik Agar Eyre."

Second Sudanese Civil War

Agar joined the Sudanese armed opposition shortly after the beginning of the Second Sudanese Civil War in 1983.

In the 1990s, he was the commander of a section of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) military forces along the Ethiopia-Sudan border south of the Blue Nile to Geissan. SPLM units under his command captured the towns of Kurmuk and Qaissan in 1997.

Agar was close to John Garang, and shared his goal of overthrowing the Sudanese government, as opposed to fighting for the secession of South Sudan. After Garang's death, Agar, along with others who shared a desire for a revolution in Sudan, were marginalised by the new SPLM leadership. Agar expressed his disapproval of the secession of South Sudan to a US official in 2009, stating that it would cause the eventual splintering of the rest of Sudan.

Post-Civil War

He was elected governor of Blue Nile State in the Republic of the Sudan in April 2010. Agar was one of the few high-profile members of the Sudanese opposition to run in the election, and was the only non-NCP candidate to win a governorship. Agar defeated the NCP candidate, Farah Ibrahim Mohamed Al-Aggar, by 108,119 to 99,417 votes.

In February 2011 Malik Agar also became chairman of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (northern sector), the part of the SPLM that operates in northern Sudan. The SPLM-NS became a separate political party when Southern Sudan seceded from the Republic of Sudan in July 2011.

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Monday, August 21, 2023

Sudan Ocha: SAF & RSF clashes in Nyala, South Darfur

Press Release from OCHA - OCHASudan@un.org

Flash Update No. 01

SUDAN: SAF & RSF clashes in Nyala, South Darfur (21 August 2023)

Monday 21 August 2023 - here is a full copy:

Clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nyala Town, South Darfur State

HIGHLIGHTS

• Renewed clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nyala Town since 11 August 2023 are continuing to fuel displacement of the civilian population.

• Up to 50,000 people have fled their homes in Nyala Town due to the fighting.

• At least 60 people have been killed and 250 others injured due to the clashes.

• Staff at the Turkish Hospital have been overwhelmed by the number of injured seeking assistance.

• Trucks loaded with humanitarian supplies are unable to travel to Nyala Town due to the fighting.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

From 11 to 17 August 2023, renewed clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nyala Town, the state capital of South Darfur State, have displaced thousands of people to other areas, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM).

Preliminary reports indicate that approximately 10,000 families – about 50,000 people – fled their homes in the Al-Mazad, Tayba, Seka Hadeed, Al-Jabal, Neil, Karrari, Musa and Texas neighbourhoods of Nyala Town to Hai Al-Jeer, Al-Nahda, As Salam, Derwa and Kangho neighbourhoods in the town; and to the As Salam, Al Serief, Otash and Kalma displacement camps in Beliel and Nyala Shimal localities in South Darfur.

People have also fled to Tulus, Buram, As Salam and Damso localities in South Darfur, as well as to Shia'ria locality and Ad Du’ayn Town in East Darfur and Al Fasher Town in North Darfur.

At least 60 people have been killed and 250 others injured during the fighting, according to IOM.   Staff at the Turkish Hospital – which is already understaffed – are reportedly struggling to cope with the influx of wounded people, and humanitarian partners on the ground report that medical supplies are running low.   

Trucks loaded with nutrition, health, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) supplies destined for Nyala Town have remained in Ad Du'ayn Town, the capital of East Darfur, since 14 August due to the fighting, and planned distributions by UNICEF have been postponed.

There are concerns that continued fighting will cause the already precarious humanitarian situation in the state to deteriorate and heighten the health, nutrition, sanitation and food security needs of the vulnerable. Meanwhile, some areas could become inaccessible if roads become impassable during the ongoing rainy season.

 Gathering information from Nyala Town in recent days has been challenging, as communication towers have reportedly been damaged during the fighting, and the electricity and water systems in the town are no longer functioning. 

 Background  

Nyala Town is located in Nyala Janoub locality, South Darfur State. An estimated 401,000 people live in the locality, of whom about 95,000 needed humanitarian assistance even before the conflict, according to the 2023 Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO).

Download the Flash Update here:

https://reports.unocha.org/en/country/sudan/flash-update/6pAVMP3Q8Fckx2PGKNkZA1/

View original:

https://reports.unocha.org/en/country/sudan/flash-update/6pAVMP3Q8Fckx2PGKNkZA1/

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Documentary: Elderly Care Exposed - BBC Africa Eye

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: There are many wicked people in the world who should never be hired as carers to take care of the daily needs and social care of children and/or adults who are vulnerable, infirm, disabled.

I once heard a Darfuri woman in a refugee camp saying she has eight children so at least one might survive to take care of her in her old age.

Here is a copy of a tweet by BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) Aug 7, 2023 with a link to a full version of the video of their undercover investigation into some African care homes in Nairobi, Kenya. It says:

Across Africa, the elderly have traditionally been cared for by their families. Now, with life expectancy increasing, many Africans are turning to care homes for help...but are the elderly getting the care they need? #BBCAfricaEye goes undercover to investigate. ⬇️

https://youtu.be/4Z5ZbYd6FkE - VIDEO WARNING: Distressing Content

— BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) August 7, 2023

Read 827 comments posted at the video: https://youtu.be/4Z5ZbYd6FkE

Here are some excerpts from a description posted at the video:

"BBC Africa Eye goes undercover to investigate allegations of mistreatment, theft and neglect inside a Kenyan care home for the elderly. Undercover reporters gathered evidence of mistreatment and neglect of vulnerable residents at an elderly care home near Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. Secret filming shows staff members physically mistreating residents and dumping unplated food on tables, leaving struggling residents to feed themselves. Medical conditions were also left untreated. Africa Eye reporter Njeri Mwangi investigates the dark side of elderly care in Kenya. *** #BBCAfricaEye brings you original, investigative journalism revealing secrets and rooting out injustice in the world’s most complex and exciting continent. Nothing stays hidden forever. Check out all Africa Eye investigations here: 🎥 https://bit.ly/bbcafricaeye 📽 The SWAHILI version of this documentary can be viewed here: • Nyumba za kulea wazee kenya: "Wanatel... CREDITS: BBC Africa Eye Editor - Tom Watson Head of Long Form and Investigations – Liz Gibbons Produced and Directed by Kassim Mohamed, Hussein Mohamed, Godfrey Badebye Executive Producers – Peter Murimi, Andy Bell, Dickon Le Marchant Reporter – Njeri Mwangi Camera – Abdi Mungai Film Editor – John Moratiel Online Editor - Chris Stott Dubbing Mixer - Jez Spencer Colour Grader - Boyd Nagle Production Manager - Simon Frost Reversioning Producer - Anna Payton Digital Producer - Tamasin Ford Social Media Producer - Anusha Kumar Impact Producer - Blanca Munoz, Valeria Cardi Production Coordinators – Izzy Fleming, Abigail Knight Drone Pilot – Chrispine Otieno Archive – Ebru TV News Fixer – Alphonce Gari"

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