Sudan Battles Cholera Surge, Security Concerns, and Humanitarian Crises

Sudan is grappling with a surge in cholera cases, security concerns, and humanitarian crises. Over 1,000 new cases emerge daily, particularly in Khartoum, due to returnees and sanitation collapse. Meanwhile, drone attacks have forced the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to relocate warplanes, raising regional alliance questions. The Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) has regained access to its headquarters in Addis Ababa, and oil exports have resumed after pipeline repairs.

The cholera outbreak is causing alarm, with Khartoum being the epicentre. The United Nations estimates that over 10,000 cases have been reported since January. The influx of returnees and a crumbling sanitation system are exacerbating the situation. In the security realm, drone attacks on Port Sudan led the SAF to relocate its warplanes to Eritrea, sparking speculation about regional alliances.

The OLF's access to its headquarters signals a shift in Ethiopia's political landscape. The group had been barred since August 2020. Oil exports through Sudan have restarted after a damaged pipeline was fixed, boosting the country's economy. However, the humanitarian situation remains dire. Nasir and Ulang counties in Upper Nile state are at risk of famine, with about 32,000 people in 'catastrophic hunger conditions'.

Armed violence along the Oromia and Benishangul-Gumuz border has displaced over 11,000 individuals. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have taken control of a strategically important border zone connecting Sudan, Libya, and Egypt. The SAF accuses the RSF of supporting Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a 'blatant assault on Sudan's sovereignty'. Recent shelling in Abu Shouk camp for internally displaced persons resulted in eight deaths and the displacement of hundreds more. A renowned Ethiopian journalist, Tesfalem Waldeyes, was arrested for allegedly spreading false information and remains in custody despite being granted bail.

The cholera outbreak, security threats, and humanitarian crises highlight the pressing challenges facing Sudan. While some political and economic progress is evident, the situation on the ground remains fragile and dire for many. The international community's support is crucial to address these interconnected issues.