18 - 24 May: English news roundup - first Prime Minister appointed since the war started, US sanctions on Sudan and attacks on the health care system
By Samuel Hunt
Sudan’s army chief appoints the first Prime Minister since start of the war
Kamil al-Taib Idris was appointed and will lead the formation of a transitional government, following the military’s recent gains, including retaking Khartoum from the Rapid Support Forces in March.
Source: AP news
US to impose sanctions on Sudan after finding the government used chemical weapons
Khartoum denies using chemical weapons during last year’s civil war, calling U.S. sanctions politically motivated. Source: Reuters
Information Minister Khalid al-Aiser dismissed the claims as “political blackmail” and “a falsification of the facts.” Source: France 24
Since the conflict began, hundreds of attacks on Sudan’s health care system have been reported.
Since fighting began, 603 attacks on Sudan’s health care system have been linked to clashes between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
In these incidents, health facilities, including maternity and children’s hospitals were damaged at least 154 times,141 health workers were killed and 98 injured. Source: Insecurity Insight
Drone strikes continue to disrupt humanitarian efforts across Sudan.
Drone strikes across Sudan continue to disrupt humanitarian services, damage infrastructure, and trigger displacement. The UNOCHR’s latest situational report states that humanitarian access remains severely constrained, with insecurity and bureaucratic delays continuing to obstruct the delivery of assistance. Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
The Financial Times has released a piece on how the use of foreign drones from multiple countries is fueling the conflict. Source: Financial Times
The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) has dropped due to people returning to Khartoum.
Over the past 3 months, Sudan has seen a 7% decrease in internally displaced persons, largely due to returns to areas such as Khartoum and Al Jazeera, following the Sudan Armed Forces; regaining control. Despite this, many returnees are faced with damaged infrastructure and a shortage of basic services. Source: World Food Programme
According to the IOM, over 10.5 million people are internally displaced across Sudan’s 18 states, including 8.1 million displaced since the conflict began.
Mubarak Ibrahim, a father of five from the Zaghawa ethnic group, fled his village in North Darfur after an RSF attack, and now struggles to survive in Tawila with no shelter, food, water, or medical aid. He told his story to The Guardian.
The New Yorker reports on a family of nine’s desperate attempt to find safety in Sudan. Source: The New Yorker
RSF rebels have been entirely pushed out of Khartoum state, according to the army
Sudan’s army claims to have fully expelled the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from Khartoum state, following the recapture of the capital and presidential palace nearly two months ago. Source: BBC
Fighting continues in Omdurman, part of the capital region, where the army launched a major offensive this week. AFP