Sudan: Khartoum is still in total blackout, desperate need for humanitarian aid, basic essentials, electricity

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: Here is a message I received from a reader in Khartoum, Sudan last Sunday (Mar 10). Sadly, in short it says, Khartoum is still in total blackout, some neighbourhoods have had no electricity and water for over ten months, there is a desperate need for humanitarian aid.

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"I apologise for the delayed response due to the ongoing circumstances here in Khartoum. I’m in the capital Khartoum itself, which comprises tri-city Khartoum, Omdurman, and Bahri, the situation is challenging. 

Specifically, in Khartoum where the presidential palace and political sites are located, there are significant issues with connectivity, fuel, and basic necessities. 

The struggle for these essentials is real; for civilians of course, and while I won't claim they are readily available for civilians, some neighbourhoods have been without electricity and water for over 10 months. People have had to relocate from these areas to ones with better conditions.

To bridge the communication gap, people are resorting to satellite internet services, paying around three thousand Sudanese pounds per hour(~3 $) in some markets 

As for fuel, the current situation forces people to obtain it from the black market at considerably high prices when needed. and this situation since early days of war began in last April.

In certain areas, electricity has been absent for over 10 months, while in other regions, voluntary teams are working tirelessly by the hour to address neighborhood issues. These efforts extend to the east and south of Khartoum, as well as areas in Sharjah Nile, and Bahri. 

While some neighborhoods currently have electricity, others have been without it for an extended period. The struggle for safe and accessible water is equally challenging and in desperate need.

Concerning food, individuals are relying on their relatives outside Sudan or in relatively safe areas. Money is sent through bank accounts, managed with satellite internet, as Khartoum, along with several states, is currently in total blackout. In response, some neighborhoods are providing free meals to thousands of families in Khartoum. The desperate need for humanitarian aid is prevalent in these challenging circumstances."

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Related

Sudan Watch - March 08, 2024

UNSC adopts Resolution 2724 (2024) calling for cessation of hostilities in Sudan during Ramadan

THE UN Security Council on Friday (Mar 8) adopted a key resolution on Sudan, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the war torn country during the month of Ramadan, which begins on Sunday. There were 14 votes in favour, 0 against, one abstention (Russia).

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2024/03/unsc-adopts-resolution-2724-2024.html

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Sudan Watch - March 11, 2024

VIDEO news report from Khartoum, Sudan on the first day of Ramadan shows no cessation of hostilities

Mr AlMigdad Hassan, correspondent for AlArabiya News Channel has filed his video report direct from Khartoum, Sudan to his X account on the first day of Ramadan, March 11th. Sadly, the footage in his report copied below shows that the cessation of hostilities by the belligerents hasn't happened.

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2024/03/sudan-video-news-report-from-khartoum.html

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VIDEO news report from Khartoum, Sudan on the first day of Ramadan shows no cessation of hostilities

Mr AlMigdad Hassan, correspondent for AlArabiya News Channel has filed his video report direct from Khartoum, Sudan to his X account on the first day of Ramadan, March 11th. Sadly, the footage in his report copied below shows that the cessation of hostilities by the belligerents hasn't happened.

Here's what you need to know about the first day of Ramadan during the ongoing war in Sudan.

صياماً متقبلاً وشهراً كريماً عليكم 🌙، مشاهد اليوم الأول في العاصمة الخرطوم وأول يوم في رمضان. pic.twitter.com/8DboFHNZ30

— AlMigdad Hassan (@AlMigdadHassan0) March 11, 2024

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Related

Sudan Watch - March 08, 2024

UNSC adopts Resolution 2724 (2024) calling for cessation of hostilities in Sudan during Ramadan

THE UN Security Council on Friday (Mar 8) adopted a key resolution on Sudan, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the war torn country during the month of Ramadan, which begins on Sunday. There were 14 votes in favour, 0 against, one abstention (Russia).

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2024/03/unsc-adopts-resolution-2724-2024.html

UPDATED on Tue 12 Mar 2024 12:38 GMT: 

Refined title to "VIDEO news report from Khartoum, Sudan on the first day of Ramadan shows no cessation of hostilities"

Replaced "has been ignored" with "hasn't happened". 

Added "Related"; inserted report.

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VIDEO report: Christians in Port Sudan pray for peace. What is Ramadan, how long does it last?

RAMADAN starts today. In solidarity with those praying for peace in Sudan and the world, here's a video showing some members of the minority Christian community in Sudan managing to celebrate Christmas in Port Sudan last December. Video is titled Christians in Port Sudan pray for peace.

Source: Ayin Network, January 10, 2024

'Christians in Port Sudan pray for peace'

While challenging given the current circumstances in Sudan, members of the Christian community managed to celebrate the Christmas holidays in Port Sudan. 

https://3ayin.com/en/christmas/

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What is Ramadan, how long does it last and why do Muslims fast?

Full story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-56695447

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Sudan: 22 children have died of malnutrition in Mornei, 83km south of West Darfur capital Geneina

SHAME on any of you who were able to help these children and did not.

Hunger in W #Darfur: people are eating tree leaves, raiding anthills for food, and eating imbaz - waste from milled oilseeds, usually for animals. Govt official says 22 children have died of malnutrition in Mornei, 83km south of WD capital Geneina https://t.co/T3kJJ75tyu

— Eddie Thomas (@eddiethomas88) March 10, 2024

Hat tip and thanks to Eric Reeves @sudanreeves

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Sudan: Inter-communal conflict Ar Rahad N.Kordofan

DTM (Displacement Tracking Matrix) Sudan Flash Alert - Update Three
Dated Sunday, 10 March 2024 - here is a copy in full:

Inter-communal conflict in Ar Rahad, North Kordofan

On 8 March 2024, field teams reported inter-communal tensions between Nuba tribesmen and Arab Bagara tribesmen in Qawz Bishara, Al Dambair, Tabaldiya, and Hila Deedan villages of Ar Rahad locality, North Kordofan.

The tensions follow previously reported clashes between the two tribes within Ar Rahad locality on 30 December 2023.  

Due to tensions, approximately 476 households were reportedly displaced from affected villages. Affected households sought refuge in Sidrah village of Ar Rahad locality. The situation remains tense and unpredictable. 

DTM will continue to monitor the developments closely and will provide further information on displacement and population mobility across Sudan, on a weekly basis. The latest DTM Sudan report is available here. 

Disclaimer: Due to the current circumstances, the DTM network is relying on remote interviews with key informants and further verification is not possible at this time. 

*DTM Sudan Flash Alerts provide an initial estimation of affected population figures gathered from field reports. All information is therefore pending verification through DTM’s Emergency Event Tracking (EET) and/or registration activities and is not to be used as official figures.

Source: VIEW IN BROWSER

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Related

Sudan Watch - July 21, 2023

SAF strikes RSF in Khartoum and North Kordofan

Since the eruption of the conflict, the Sudanese air forces have targeted the RSF positions in Khartoum and have reduced the arrival of their reinforcements from reaching the capital. However, recently, they operate also in strategic North Kordofan.

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2023/07/sudanese-army-strikes-rsf-rebels-in.html

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Sudan Watch - December 28, 2023

Sudan: Clashes between Nuba and Arab Bagara tribes in Al Hujairat village of Ar Rahad, North Kordofan

On 22 December 2023, inter-communal clashes erupted between Nuba tribesmen and Arab Bagara tribesmen in Al Hujairat village of Ar Rahad locality, North Kordofan. The incident reportedly occurred following a dispute over livestock. Field teams reported that the majority of the Nuba residents in Al Hujairat village were displaced to Ad Dambaer village of the same locality, and have since returned. Field teams further reported that Arab Bagara were displaced to Um Rawaba town of Um Rawaba locality, North Kordofan and to other localities within South Kordofan. 

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2023/12/sudan-clashes-between-nuba-and-arab.html

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Sudan Watch - December 29, 2023

Sudan: Clashes in Sheikan El Obeid Town, N. Kordofan

Between 23 and 25 December 2023, armed clashes renewed between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El Obeid Town of Sheikan locality, North Kordofan. Clashes were reported in Al Gadisiya, As Salam, Al Jala’a and Al Guba neighborhoods as well as around the stadium and Haj Al Sayed Mosque. As a result of the violence, three individuals were reportedly killed, and 20 others sustained injuries. 

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2023/12/sudan-clashes-in-sheikan-el-obeid-town.html

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Relief Web OCHA - January 4, 2024

Sudan Humanitarian Update (4 January 2024)

In North Kordofan State, about 420 people were displaced on 29 December 2023 after inter-communal clashes erupted between Nuba, Al Asra, and Shanabla tribesmen in Arsh Al Yoi village in Um Rawaba locality, North Kordofan State. The cause of the violence remains unknown. IOM DTM field teams report that the displaced people sought safety and shelter in Um Rawaba town. The situation on the ground remains tense and unpredictable. On 30 December 2023, inter-communal clashes renewed between Nuba tribesmen and Arab Bagara tribesmen in Al Hujairat village of Ar Rahad locality, North Kordofan. The incident reportedly occurred following a dispute over livestock. IOM DTM field teams report that about 315 people have been displaced from Al Hujairat village. Affected households have sought refuge in the Sidrah, Karshoum and Ad Damaer villages of Ar Rahad locality.

https://reliefweb.int/report/sudan/sudan-humanitarian-update-4-january-2024-enar

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Sudan Watch - January 14, 2024

Sudan Humanitarian Update (14 January 2024)

In North Kordofan State, tensions rose on 3 January between the RSF and Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement-North Al-Hilu faction in Broka village of Ar Rahad locality, reports IOM DTM. As a result, about 430 people (86 families) were displaced and are taking refuge in Al Huda, Al Safa, and Al Shati’ neighbourhoods in Ar Rahad Town as well as in Aradeba, Tendalti, Umm Habila and As Sawani villages in Ar Rahad locality. The situation remains tense and unpredictable. There are 137,300 IDPs in North Kordofan State post-April 2023, according to IOM DTM.

On 8 January 2024, armed clashes renewed between the SAF and the RSF in El Obeid town, the capital of North Kordofan State. Clashes were reported in southern neighbourhoods of El Obeid town. While no civilian displacement was reported, the situation on the ground remains tense and unpredictable, IOM DTM reported.

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2024/01/sudan-humanitarian-update-14-january.html

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END

Hamdok in Cairo for meetings to end Sudan War

THIS man has the decency and patience of a saint. Anyone who speaks badly of him is a trouble maker who doesn't know how to give due respect. Sudan and South Sudan need more dedicated, honest, hardworking people like him.

Report from Asharq Al-Awsat aawsat.com website

Dated Saturday, 9 March 2024 - here is a copy in full:

Hamdok in Cairo to Push Forward Efforts to End Sudan War

Former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok. (Reuters file photo)

A delegation from the Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum), led by former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, kicked off on Friday a visit to Cairo to hold talks with senior Egyptian officials, officials from the Arab League and Sudanese figures residing in Egypt.

The visit is aimed at ending the war in Sudan, said a statement from the group.

Experts said Hamdok’s visit was significant and being held at a “suitable” time, predicting it could have a positive impact.

This is the former PM’s first visit to Egypt since the eruption of the war in mid-April 2023.

The Taqaddum statement added that the visit reflects the historic relations that bind the Sudanese and Egyptian people. It is also part of efforts carried out by the group with friendly countries to help end the war in Sudan.

Officials will discuss the “catastrophic humanitarian conditions endured by our people” and work on effectively responding to it, continued the statement.

“This demands determination from the main parties and regional and international coordination” to address the situation, it stressed.

The statement noted that Egypt is hosting hundreds of thousands of Sudanese people who fled the war, hoping that the visit would be a step forward in intensifying and coordinating efforts to put an end to the conflict.

The Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces is a coalition of civil society, youth, vocational and feminist groups working towards bolstering democracy and human rights in Sudan.

The coalition has been active in recent months to help end the war between the army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF). It has held several meetings in neighboring countries to tackle the conflict.

Hamdok had earlier this year called for holding contacts with the army and RSF leaderships. In January, he met with RSF leader Mohammed Hamdan Daglo in Ethiopia.

Head of the head of the Sudanese Alliance Party and leading member of the central council of the Forces of Freedom and Change Kamal Ismail said several Sudanese civilian forces were counting on Cairo to play an effective role in helping end the war through the launch of a political process.

He told Asharq Al-Awsat that the visit aims at intensifying efforts to end the war, tackling the humanitarian disaster in Sudan and coming up with political solutions.

He noted that the Sudanese Alliance Party had held intense dialogue with Sudanese political powers in recent months, revealing that they have succeeded in building the political ground and foundation for ending the war.

The details related to political issues can be discussed during the post-war phase through the support of Sudan’s neighbors, led by Egypt, that are keen on Sudan restoring its stability, he remarked.

Egypt had in July 2023 hosted a summit for Sudan’s neighbors, including Libya, Chad, Central Africa, South Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia.

The gatherers agreed on a communication mechanism led by their foreign ministers to discuss the necessary executive measures to tackle the consequences of the crisis on the future and stability of Sudan.

Cairo has also hosted in recent months meetings of a number of Sudanese political forces, including the central council of the Forces of Freedom and Change, that discussed coming up with a political framework to end the war. They also covered the democratic transition in the country.

Source: 

https://english.aawsat.com/arab-world/4901146-hamdok-cairo-push-forward-efforts-end-sudan-war

ENDS

AU calls for Ramadan cessation of hostilities in Sudan

AFRICANS should put pressure on leaders of the African Union and IGAD to work harder and faster and do their jobs properly or step aside for others who are able and willing to do a good honest job. Too many Africans are still living in poverty without a right to land ownership and access to the law.

From Xinhu 

By Editor: Huaxia

Dated Saturday, 9 March 2024, 18:54:30 - here is a copy in full:

AU calls for Ramadan cessation of hostilities in Sudan

ADDIS ABABA, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat has called for the cessation of hostilities in Sudan during the holy month of Ramadan.

The AU Commission chairperson "calls upon Sudanese parties to observe a total cease-fire across the whole national territory throughout the holy month of Ramadan," the AU said in a statement on Friday.

Faki stressed that such a cease-fire during the holy month of Ramadan could help facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in need throughout the conflict-torn country.

He urged the warring parties "to shoulder their responsibilities to prevent the serious risk of famine and other humanitarian catastrophes from befalling the Sudanese people and the neighboring states."

Deadly clashes have been going on between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in Sudan since April last year.

Amid the continued fighting in different parts of the country, Sudan is now home to the world's largest internal displacement crisis, with 6.3 million people seeking safety within the country since the beginning of the conflict. Another 1.7 million people have also fled to neighboring countries, according to the United Nations.

On Thursday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for the cessation of hostilities in Sudan during the holy month of Ramadan.

"A Ramadan cessation of hostilities can help stem the suffering and usher the way to sustainable peace. 

Let us spare no effort to support the people of Sudan in their legitimate aspirations for a peaceful and secure future," said Guterres. 

View original:

http://www.chinaview.cn/20240309/83e35ba2203e458790c3456dd3010964/c.html

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UNSC adopts Resolution 2724 (2024) calling for cessation of hostilities in Sudan during Ramadan

THE UN Security Council on Friday (Mar 8) adopted a key resolution on Sudan, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the war torn country during the month of Ramadan, which begins on Sunday. There were 14 votes in favour, 0 against, one abstention (Russia).

In another action on Friday, with 13 votes in favour and two abstentions (China and Russia), the Security Council renewed the mandate of the 1591 Sudan Sanctions Committee Panel of Experts, which expires next Tuesday, for a further twelve months. Read more.

From UN News
Dated Friday, 8 March 2024 - here is a copy in full:

Security Council calls for immediate cessation of hostilities in Sudan

Photos: A wide view of the UN Security Council as members meet on the situation in the Sudan. 

UN Photo/Manuel Elías

 

The UN Security Council on Friday adopted a key resolution on Sudan, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the wartorn country during the month of Ramadan, which begins on Sunday.

In resolution 2724 (2024), adopted with 14 votes in favour and one abstention (Russia), the Council also called on all parties to the conflict to seek a sustainable resolution to the conflict through dialogue.

The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted in April last year in and around the capital. In the eleven months since, the fighting has spread claiming thousands of lives, driven millions from their homes and plunged Sudan into a dire humanitarian crisis.

In the resolution, the Security Council expressed grave concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation, including “crisis levels or worse” of acute food insecurity, particularly in the Darfur region, as well as ongoing reports of international humanitarian and human rights laws violations, including cases of sexual violence in conflict.

It urged all parties to the conflict “to ensure the removal of any obstructions and enable full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access, including cross-border and crossline, and comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, including to protect civilians and civilian objects, and their commitments under the Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan (‘Jeddah Declaration’).”

It also encouraged Ramtane Lamamra, the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, to use his good offices with the parties and Sudan’s neighbours, complementing and coordinating regional peace efforts.

Sudan Sanctions Panel of Experts

In another action on Friday, with 13 votes in favour and two abstentions (China and Russia), the Security Council renewed the mandate of the 1591 Sudan Sanctions Committee Panel of Experts, which expires next Tuesday, for a further twelve months.

The Panel was established on 29 March 2005 to assist the Committee in monitoring the implementation of sanctions measures imposed by the Council (arms embargo, travel ban and assets freeze) on several armed groups and individuals in Sudan.

View original: https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147432

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Related 

Sudan Watch - Friday, March 8, 2024

Sudan: UK has circulated a draft UN resolution calling for an immediate end of hostilities ahead of Ramadan

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2024/03/sudan-uk-has-circulated-draft-un.html

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Sudan Watch - Friday, March 8, 2024, 19:30 GMT 

Sudan: UNSC Vote on a Draft Resolution (Preamble) 

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2024/03/sudan-unsc-vote-on-draft-resolution.html

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Sudan Watch - Friday, March 8, 2024, 19:51 GMT 

Sudan Sanctions: Vote on Draft Resolution (Preamble) 

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2024/03/sudan-unsc-vote-on-draft-resolution.html

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