AGP Executive Report

Chemical Weapons & Public Health: Experts are urging an OPCW-led inquiry after reports and alleged signs of chlorine-based chemical weapons use in Sudan’s civil war, including claims of a rudimentary chlorine-bomb programme and possible attacks in 2024–2025. Food Security & Aid Access: WFP says South Korea will fund emergency food for 365,000 people and restart school feeding for 23,000 children in Khartoum, as Sudan’s hunger crisis deepens and clinic access shrinks amid funding cuts. Toxic Gold Mining: In Abu Hamad, River Nile, artisanal gold mining is leaving hundreds of waste mounds that are poisoning soil, water and air, driving salinity spikes and collapsing local farming. Water, Climate Extremes & Risk: A global report highlights how climate shocks and conflict are squeezing humanitarian action, while AFP notes the hottest June–August on record, with drought impacts reported in Sudan. Diplomacy & Civilians: The international Quintet wrapped up Khartoum talks, rejecting parallel governing structures and stressing no military solution—while Sudan civil society rejects a military-sponsored “Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue” as political cover. Land & Investment: Northern Bahr el Ghazal officials assessed land for an Egyptian meat-processing and milk-production investment in Aweil, with community consultations underway.

Chemical Weapons & Public Health: Former OPCW officials and chemical weapons experts are urging an international inquiry into allegations that Sudan’s military used chlorine-filled munitions in the civil war, citing reports of respiratory distress, unusual odours, and environmental harm from incidents in 2024–2025. Food Security & Water-Linked Hunger: Korea has pledged $5 million to WFP for emergency food for 365,000 people and school meals for 23,000 children in Sudan, including support to restart school feeding in Khartoum State after years of conflict-related suspension. Climate Extremes: A Copernicus-backed AFP analysis says the hottest June-to-August period on record hit 1.3 billion people, with drought and heat impacts reported in Sudan alongside extreme heatwaves and smoke elsewhere. Aid Underfunding: A new humanitarian system report warns that funding cuts are leaving tens of millions receiving less aid, noting constraints on operations in Sudan as needs rise. Peace Process & Civilians: The international Quintet Mechanism says there is no military solution and rejects parallel governing structures, pushing for a credible, inclusive Sudanese-led political track that protects civilians. Civil Society Pushback: Sudanese civil society groups reject El Burhan’s proposed “Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue” as lacking neutrality and risking “political cover” while the war continues.

Humanitarian Aid Squeeze: A new ALNAP report warns that global funding cuts are shrinking aid just as conflict and climate shocks surge, noting Sudan is among places where political obstruction and violations of humanitarian law limit what aid can do. Heat and Drought Pressure: Copernicus data analyzed by AFP says the hottest June–August on record hit 52 countries, with drought in Sudan highlighted as part of a wider extreme-heat pattern tied to El Niño. Food Security Boost: WFP says South Korea will provide $5 million for emergency food for 365,000 people and school meals for 23,000 children in Sudan, aiming to restart feeding in Khartoum State after years of suspension. Aid Cuts Hit Health Access: MSF warns that humanitarian funding cuts are forcing clinic closures across Sudan, pushing patients to travel farther and increasing strain on remaining hospitals. Chemical Weapons Allegations: Former OPCW officials cited by Euronews say there are credible indicators of possible chemical weapons use in Sudan (including chlorine-linked incidents in 2024–2025), urging further investigation. Civilians and Water Security: A separate report on Sudan’s conflict notes chlorine’s role as an essential substance and raises concerns about risks to civilians if supply is disrupted. Peace Process Watch: Sudan’s Sovereignty Council chief met the UN-AU-EU-Arab League-IGAD Quintet, with talks focused on peace efforts and a political process, stressing there is “no military solution” and that civilian protection must come first.

Peace & Politics: Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan met the international Quintet Mechanism (UN, AU, EU, Arab League, IGAD) in Khartoum to discuss peace efforts and a civilian political process, with AU mediator Mohamed Ibn Chambas stressing there is “no military solution” and calling for steps to protect civilians. War’s Environmental Toll: A new investigation reports credible chlorine-linked chemical weapons allegations in Sudan’s civil war, citing witness accounts and warning of risks to civilians, the environment, and natural resources. Aid Cuts, Health Crisis: Médecins Sans Frontières says humanitarian funding cuts are forcing clinic closures across Sudan, pushing patients into longer, riskier journeys and straining remaining hospitals. Water & Land Management: A transboundary water expert argues Egypt and Sudan should share the costs of Ethiopia’s watershed restoration and afforestation, saying better watersheds reduce erosion, protect water quality, and stabilize flows downstream. Food Security Pressure: Analysts warn that disruptions to major shipping routes (including the Red Sea and Black Sea) can quickly raise food prices and deepen hunger risks when multiple corridors face pressure at once.

Chemical Weapons & Public Health: A new investigation says Sudan’s war may have included chlorine-based chemical attacks, pointing to witness accounts of breathing trouble, unusual smells and colored blasts, and urging an independent probe after claims of a hidden chlorine munitions program tied to incidents near Khartoum in 2024. Aid Access & Health: Médecins Sans Frontières warns that international aid funding cuts are forcing clinic closures and pushing patients into longer, riskier journeys, with admissions rising in some supported facilities in Central Darfur as support stops elsewhere. War’s Environmental Toll: The same rights-focused reporting flags that chemical use could harm civilians and damage the environment and natural resources, raising fears for water and long-term health. Regional Water Security: A transboundary water expert argues Egypt and Sudan should have shared the costs of Ethiopia’s watershed restoration and afforestation, saying better watersheds reduce erosion and protect downstream water quality and flows. Logistics for Power: A 10,000-tonne floating power barge was delivered to Port Sudan to support civilian electricity for critical infrastructure, showing how weather and shipping coordination shape relief and recovery.

Chemical Weapons Allegations: A leaked dossier cited by Sudanese human rights monitors claims the Sudanese Armed Forces used chlorine-based munitions made from international relief materials, raising fresh alarms about harm to civilians and the environment. Health Crisis from Aid Cuts: Médecins Sans Frontières warns that funding withdrawals are forcing clinic closures across Sudan, leaving patients to travel farther for care as admissions in supported facilities in Central Darfur rise. Humanitarian Protection: The ICRC chief says wars must not become a “tolerated norm,” urging renewed diplomacy to prevent further civilian suffering. Darfur Justice: The ICC hears calls for “effective and tangible” reparations for Ali Kushayb victims, with proposals including medical help, education, and reintegration support. Water & Food Security: A transboundary water expert argues Egypt and Sudan should have shared Ethiopia’s watershed restoration and afforestation costs, warning that poor watersheds can mean sediment, flooding, and degraded water quality. Aid Access & Trade Pressure: WFP highlights how disruptions to major shipping routes can trigger food price spikes and hunger risks—an issue that matters acutely for Sudan’s already strained supply lines. Plant Biosecurity: Agricultural officials meet in Cairo to strengthen regional cooperation against transboundary pests, linking plant health to climate-stressed food security. Sudan Peace Process: The Quintet initiative is set for its first visit to Khartoum for talks on a civilian-led political process and conflict de-escalation.

Aid & Health Access: Médecins Sans Frontières says international aid cuts are forcing mass clinic closures across Sudan, leaving patients to travel farther while a few supported hospitals in Central Darfur saw admissions jump 22.5% (Jan–Apr 2026) and 45 general healthcare centres stopped receiving support in May. Food Security & Trade Disruptions: A new analysis warns that conflict-linked pressure on major shipping corridors—Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea route via Bab-el-Mandeb/Suez, and the Black Sea grain corridor—could create a “triple chokepoint,” driving sharp price rises and pushing more people toward hunger. Water Diplomacy: A senior transboundary water expert argues Egypt and Sudan should have shared Ethiopia’s watershed restoration and afforestation costs, saying better watershed management can cut erosion and sediment that otherwise harms water quality and downstream infrastructure. Plant Biosecurity: Agricultural officials from across the Middle East and North Africa met in Cairo to strengthen cooperation against transboundary pests and diseases, with climate change and trade disruptions raising risks to food production. Energy & Logistics: Danish firm Vectura Resource coordinated delivery of a 10,000-tonne floating power barge to Port Sudan to support civilian power generation and electricity for critical infrastructure. Regional Peace Process: The AU-UN-IGAD-League of Arab States-EU “Quintet” begins its first visit to Khartoum for talks aimed at a civilian-led political process, truce conditions, and prisoner exchange. Global Policy Watch: UN rights chief Volker Turk warned advanced AI could pose an existential threat and urged “cast-iron guarantees,” while also flagging risks to services and communications.

Sudan Peace Talks: UN envoy Pekka Haavisto met Sudan’s top leadership in Khartoum, urging de-escalation and an inclusive political process, with hopes for prisoner and civilian detainee exchanges as talks continue. Human Rights Watch: The UN Human Rights Council’s 63rd session opened in Geneva, with Sudan on the agenda and Volker Turk warning that rights crises—including in Sudan—will be closely examined. Climate, Conflict Link: A new analysis warns that climate change is reshaping food, water and farmland, raising the risk of instability where institutions are weak—an issue that resonates for Sudan’s rural communities under pressure. Water Security Pressure: Egypt reiterated the Nile as a top national priority, saying any action affecting water interests is unacceptable and disputes must follow international law—key context for Sudan’s downstream stakes. Land and Soil Lessons: A long-running Rwanda eucalyptus experiment highlights how fast-growing plantations can affect water use and soil quality over decades, adding to the region’s debate on land management and sustainability. AI Safety Warning: UN rights chief Volker Turk urged “cast-iron guarantees” for advanced AI, warning failures could disrupt services and communications—relevant as Sudan’s systems face growing stress.

Sudan Peace Talks: UN envoy Pekka Haavisto met Sudan’s top leadership in Khartoum, urging de-escalation, protection of civilians, and an “inclusive and strategic” political process, with hopes for prisoner and civilian detainee exchanges between the army and RSF. Water Security: Egypt’s foreign minister said the Nile remains a top national priority for Egypt and Sudan, warning that any action affecting water interests is unacceptable and disputes must follow international law. Human Rights Oversight: The UN Human Rights Council session opens in Geneva with Sudan listed among key crises for discussion, as Volker Turk presents an updated global rights overview. Conflict, Climate, and Risk: A wider report flags how climate pressures and displacement are deepening Sudan’s rural challenges, while another item notes low Nile levels worsening hunger conditions.

Climate & Water Stress: A new UNDP and Médecins Sans Frontières look at Sudan highlights how climate change is squeezing pastoralists and smallholders—shorter grazing windows, earlier forced migrations, and deeper conflicts as farming expands into traditional routes. Humanitarian Access & Conflict Impacts: In South Kordofan, clashes tied to land disputes and rebel attacks have left dozens dead and hundreds displaced, with families still struggling to reach water and healthcare. Arms & Civilian Protection: The Civil Democratic Alliance of Revolutionary Forces (Sumood) urges the UN Security Council to expand Darfur’s arms embargo across all Sudan and push targeted sanctions on weapon suppliers, alongside renewed support for the UN fact-finding mission. Nile Governance Debate: An OpEd argues Ethiopia’s “Blue Nile” approach is shifting from one dam fight to a broader storage-and-rules contest—warning Sudan’s risk grows without data, alerts, and a binding operating deal. Policy & Rights Watch: The UN Human Rights Council’s upcoming autumn session will include Sudan among key crisis discussions, with attention also on access to clean water and sanitation.

Sudan Conflict & Civilians: The Civil Democratic Alliance of Revolutionary Forces (“Sumood”) urged the UN Security Council to expand Darfur’s arms embargo to cover all of Sudan, saying weapon flows are widening the war between the SAF and RSF and worsening civilian suffering. Climate & Rural Livelihoods: UNDP and Médecins Sans Frontières highlighted how climate change is squeezing Sudan’s pastoralists and smallholder farmers—shorter grazing seasons, earlier forced migrations into farmland, and deeper water and health gaps for displaced families in South Kordofan. Water, Hunger & El Niño Risks: A wider climate report warns that a strengthening El Niño could intensify extreme weather and food insecurity next year, with Sudan already facing low Nile water levels that are worsening hunger. Humanitarian Funding & Access: On International Day of Charity, Qatar Charity reported scaling relief and development work in Sudan alongside other crises, including support for water, sanitation, health, nutrition, shelter, and education. Governance & Peace Talks: A Sudanese national dialogue push is gaining momentum as the government moves to enable participation, with AU backing and ongoing debate over how dialogue can prevent further division.

Sudan Conflict & Civilians: The Civil Democratic Alliance of Revolutionary Forces (Sumood) urged the UN Security Council to expand Darfur’s arms embargo across all of Sudan, saying the war is now nationwide and continued weapon flows worsen civilian suffering. Climate & Rural Livelihoods: UNDP and Médecins Sans Frontières highlighted how climate change is squeezing Sudan’s pastoralists and smallholder farmers—shorter grazing seasons, earlier migrations into farmland, and rising farmer-herder conflicts—while displaced families in South Kordofan struggle to access water and healthcare. Water, Health & War Impacts: Reports also point to worsening conditions around Sudan’s conflict zones, including attacks affecting aid delivery and the knock-on risks for basic services like water and health. Regional Environment Context: Coverage from the wider region underscores how extreme weather and climate shocks are driving displacement and food stress, reinforcing the urgency of climate-risk planning for Sudan’s already fragile rural systems.

Arms Embargo Push: Sudan’s Sumood alliance urged the UN Security Council to expand Darfur’s arms embargo to cover all Sudan, saying weapon flows are widening the war and worsening civilian harm. Humanitarian Aid Under Fire: WFP strongly condemned an aerial attack on two food trucks outside Dilling in South Kordofan on Aug. 30, destroying over 50 metric tons of food meant for Kadugli and hitting assistance for thousands. Climate Pressure & Displacement: UNDP and Médecins Sans Frontières highlighted how climate change is disrupting Sudan’s pastoral routes and grazing seasons, forcing earlier, unplanned migrations into farmland and deepening farmer-herder conflicts, while displaced families in South Kordofan struggle to access water and healthcare. Rural Food Stress: Reports also pointed to high temperatures and low rainfall hitting crops and pastures, adding pressure to livelihoods already strained by conflict. Dialogue Watch: Sudan’s proposed national dialogue gained momentum as the government moved to dismiss charges against people seeking to return for talks, with AU support but ongoing skepticism from opposition groups.

Climate pressures & displacement: UNDP and Médecins Sans Frontières highlight how Sudan’s pastoralists and smallholder farmers are being squeezed by more erratic rainfall, shorter grazing seasons, and expanding farming into grazing lands—fueling conflicts and leaving displaced families in South Kordofan short on water and healthcare. Water & health risks in war zones: WFP strongly condemns an aerial attack on two trucks carrying food assistance outside Dilling, South Kordofan, destroying over 50 metric tons and hitting thousands already facing emergency food insecurity. Arms embargo push: Khartoum’s Sumood alliance urges the UN Security Council to expand Darfur’s arms embargo to cover all Sudan, arguing weapon flows are widening the war and worsening civilian harm. Dialogue & return: Sudan’s proposed national dialogue gains momentum as the government dismisses charges against people seeking to return to participate—an opening that could shape peace talks. Hotter, drier conditions: Reports of high temperatures and low rainfall are stressing crops and pastures, adding pressure to already fragile livelihoods.

Sudan Peace & Dialogue: The Sudanese government has cleared the way for a proposed national dialogue by dismissing criminal charges against people returning to take part, with the AU welcoming the move—though some opposition groups remain skeptical. Aid Under Fire: The UN World Food Programme strongly condemned an aerial attack on two WFP trucks carrying food assistance outside Dilling in South Kordofan, destroying over 50 metric tons of supplies meant for nearly 5,800 people for a month. Cholera Watch in West Kordofan: WHO reports Sudan’s West Kordofan as a “latest outbreak hotspot,” with at least 10 deaths and 40+ infections recorded in El Idai, as fighting blocks access to medicines and clean care. Local Peacebuilding: In Warrap State, Sudan’s deputy governor urged peace efforts to move beyond conference halls to grassroots action, including accountability for crimes like rape and cattle raiding. Environment & Climate Pressure: A “super El Niño” is forecast to intensify extreme weather globally, raising the risk of more disasters that can worsen hunger and instability—conditions Sudan communities can’t afford.

Aid Under Fire in Sudan: WFP strongly condemned an aerial attack on two trucks carrying clearly marked food assistance outside Dilling, South Kordofan, on 30 August, destroying over 50 metric tons of supplies meant for Kadugli—enough for about 5,800 people for a month—and noting eight similar aerial attacks on its operations since the start of the year. Cholera Hotspot in West Kordofan: WHO reports more than 2,600 cholera cases across Sudan up to early August, with West Kordofan flagged as the “latest outbreak hotspot”; at least 10 deaths and 40+ infections were recorded in El Idai, where fighting and lack of medicines are hampering response. Local Peacebuilding Push (Warrap): Warrap’s deputy governor urged peace efforts to move beyond conference halls into grassroots communities, calling for accountability for crimes including rape and cattle raiding and for a high-level peace committee to spread reconciliation messages. Climate Pressure Beyond Borders: A strong El Niño is driving a rare “trio” of Pacific hurricanes, while Nepal’s glacier-triggered floods are being linked to climate change—both reminders of how extreme weather can cascade into humanitarian crises.