Intense Clashes in South and West Sudan
Fierce fighting in southern and western Sudan has claimed at least 65 lives and left more than 130 wounded.
In South Kordofan, artillery strikes on the state capital, Kadugli, killed at least 40 people and injured 70. The attack, allegedly carried out by the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) led by Abdel Aziz al-Hilu, targeted a bustling local market. Governor Mohamed Ibrahim condemned the assault, vowing to drive rebel forces from the surrounding mountains, calling the attack an attempt to destabilize the region. The SPLM-N has been engaged in ongoing clashes with both the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Meanwhile, in Darfur, a military airstrike on Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, resulted in 25 deaths and 63 injuries. The RSF accused the army of deploying "barrel bombs" against civilians in multiple neighbourhoods. Nyala, currently under RSF control, is located 195 kilometres from El-Fasher—the besieged capital of North Darfur and the army’s last stronghold in the region.
El-Fasher, home to nearly two million people, has witnessed some of the most intense fighting as government forces struggle to maintain control. The UN's migration agency reported that between April 2024 and January 2025, over 600,000 people were displaced from North Darfur. The International Organization for Migration documented 95 incidents in the state, with more than half occurring in El-Fasher, leading to the displacement of approximately 605,257 individuals.
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A Fragile Ceasefire in Eastern DRC
Amid ongoing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), two nearly identical statements released on April 23, 2025, announced an immediate ceasefire. One was signed in Goma by a member of the rebel group AFC/M23—someone not even officially part of the delegation—and the other was issued by the Congolese government in Kinshasa.
Ituri Under Surveillance
Rising Security Concerns The political fragmentation in eastern DRC continues to threaten the fragile stability of Ituri. The failure of the Doha process and the breakdown of the republican pact could pave the way for a new wave of unrest in the region. On April 22, 2025, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, met with leaders of the Lendu militia CODECO (Cooperative for the Development of the Congo) in Entebbe. Officially, the meeting was convened to address CODECO’s attack on Ugandan military positions in Ituri, a confrontation that adds to past clashes between the group and the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). Key Figures and Discussions The CODECO delegation, led by Dunji Kulukpa Etienne (Vice President of the Lendu community), included political and militant representatives. On the Ugandan side, top-ranking officials participated: • General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, CDF • Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga, Land Forces Commander • Major General Felix Busizoori, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division • Brigadier General Oscar Munanura, Deputy Assistant Chief of Intelligence and Security Earlier in the week, CODECO leaders had already engaged with Ugandan military commanders. During the Entebbe meeting, Mr. Dunji expressed gratitude for Uganda’s reception and apologized for the Fataki clashes between CODECO and the UPDF. He claimed the militia had been influenced by external forces and emphasized that the Lendu, Balega, and Bahema communities do not view Uganda as an adversary. Dunji also highlighted Ituri’s worsening humanitarian crisis, attributing it to political divisions, while praising Uganda’s contributions in healthcare, refugee assistance, and economic aid. Uganda’s Expanding Influence in Ituri General Kainerugaba reaffirmed Uganda’s historical presence in North Kivu and Ituri, citing counter-insurgency operations dating back to the early 2000s. He urged CODECO leaders to collaborate with the UPDF in pursuit of a lasting peace. As a demonstration of goodwill, Ugandan forces provided free medical care to wounded CODECO fighters. Strategic Implications: A Larger Agenda? While Uganda frames this meeting as a step toward reconciliation, analysts at African Security Analysis suggest a deeper motive. They argue that the gathering was part of a broader effort to integrate CODECO into the militant coalition led by Thomas Lubanga, potentially setting the stage for coordinated offensives in Ituri, particularly targeting Bunia. If confirmed, this would signal a significant shift in the security landscape, with Uganda deepening its influence in Ituri under the guise of conflict resolution. The region remains under scrutiny as stakeholders assess the evolving dynamics.
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