AGP Executive Report

Red Sea Security: Iran-backed Houthi attacks are escalating around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, raising fears of a “second Hormuz” for shipping and putting Sudan-linked maritime routes under sharper risk. Sudan War & Health: In El Obeid, Kordofan, residents report cholera outbreaks, severe water shortages, and collapsing health services as militias tighten control and civilians face mounting abuses. Peace Process (Civil Society): Sudanese feminist and civil society voices are calling for broader, safer Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue—pushing for real guarantees for women, youth, and grassroots groups. Humanitarian Tech in Conflict: World Vision warns that drones and other emerging tools are increasingly harming aid workers in war zones, citing a reported drone strike on an East Darfur hospital. Regional Tech/Industry Link: Egypt and Libya move toward industrial integration via a planned exhibition in Benghazi, with technology transfer and joint value chains on the agenda. Ebola Vaccine Research: WHO is prioritizing the Ervebo vaccine for trial testing in the DRC as scientists assess whether it can help against a different Ebola species.

Sudan War & Tech-Driven Violence: A new report highlights how drone proliferation is changing Sudan’s battlefield, with aerial strikes and expanding reach tied to external patronage—raising the stakes for civilians in places like Kordofan and White Nile. Humanitarian Crisis in Kordofan: El Obeid is described as trapped by war and shortages, with cholera outbreaks, a major water deficit, collapsing health services, and militia restrictions on civilians. Education Under Displacement: A Sudanese refugee story from eastern Chad shows how community-run schooling is keeping children learning, with refugee teachers and a growing primary school supported by partners. Aid Workers Under Threat: World Vision warns that modern conflict tech, including drones, is increasingly endangering aid workers and clinics—citing a Darfur hospital strike that left services unable to function. Ebola Vaccine Research: WHO is pushing the Ervebo vaccine into a clinical trial in the DRC for the current outbreak, as scientists test whether a vaccine built for one Ebola type can help against another. Corporate War Profiteering (Research): Cambridge University Press published Dr. Shahd Hammouri’s book examining how corporate interests profit from war and what international law can do about it.

Sudan War & Health Crisis: El Obeid is tightening into an “epidemic quagmire” as cholera outbreaks, a 70% water shortage, and collapsing health services collide with militia cordons and abuses, while civilians struggle to reach medicines and basic care. Sudan Tech & Warfare: A separate report highlights how drone proliferation is changing Sudan’s battlefield—expanding reach and lethality for both state and non-state actors, with repeated drone strikes killing civilians and hitting schools and health facilities. Humanitarian Tech Risks: World Vision warns that emerging tech like drones is increasingly turning aid work into a target, citing a Darfur hospital strike that left dozens dead and clinics unable to function. Ebola Vaccine Research: WHO is pushing the Ervebo vaccine into a clinical trial in DR Congo, testing whether a vaccine built for one Ebola type can protect against another. Biotech Contract: Arisan Therapeutics won NIAID funding to develop an orally administered small-molecule antiviral entry inhibitor with preclinical activity against Ebola and Sudan virus. Education in Displacement: In eastern Chad, Sudan refugee communities are running schools—Plan International’s camp primary school now has 1,059 pupils and 30 teachers, including recruits from the refugee population.

Sudan War Tech: A new analysis says drone know-how is spreading from Yemen’s Houthis into Sudan, with reports of operatives in Port Sudan training fighters in drone manufacturing and operations—raising alarms for Red Sea security. Humanitarian Tech in Conflict: World Vision warns that drones and other emerging tech are increasingly killing aid workers, citing a reported March drone attack on an East Darfur teaching hospital that left it unable to function. Parliament & Governance: Sudan’s war also shows up in politics as lawmakers’ absence stalls parliamentary work, while education and care systems struggle under displacement. Health & Vaccines: WHO is weighing whether to test the Ervebo Ebola vaccine against a different Ebola species in the DRC, with evidence now pushing toward broader rollout. Biosecurity R&D: Arisan Therapeutics wins NIAID funding to develop an orally administered small-molecule antiviral targeting Ebola and Sudan virus entry. Regional Tech & Security: The Mecca Pact’s defense framework (Saudi, Turkey, Pakistan) signals shifting deterrence dynamics that could affect how tech-enabled conflict spreads across the region.

Sudan War Tech & Security: A new report warns that Houthi military know-how from Yemen is being transferred to armed groups in Sudan, including training and emerging drone capabilities that resemble Iranian models—raising stakes for Red Sea shipping and regional stability. Humanitarian Safety: World Vision says aid workers are increasingly targeted as conflicts adopt drones and other emerging tech, citing a March drone attack on an East Darfur teaching hospital that killed dozens and crippled care. Drone Proliferation in Sudan: Coverage highlights how aerial warfare is rapidly expanding in Sudan, with drones used to strike schools and health facilities and with external patrons accelerating access to lethal systems. Health & Biotech (Ebola): WHO is moving toward testing the Ervebo Ebola vaccine (built for Zaire ebolavirus) against the Bundibugyo species in the DRC, after earlier concerns about “mismatched” protection. Filovirus Drug R&D: Arisan Therapeutics won NIAID funding to develop an orally administered small-molecule viral entry inhibitor with preclinical activity against Ebola and Sudan virus.

Drone Warfare in Sudan: A new report highlights how drone technology is rapidly proliferating in Sudan, with aerial strikes tied to the RSF/SAF conflict and growing lethality for civilians, driven by external patrons and weak cross-border controls. Red Sea Security & Maritime Tech: Coverage on the Red Sea points to rising maritime tensions and new regional defense coordination efforts aimed at protecting shipping routes through the Bab al-Mandab corridor. Houthi Tech Transfer Concerns: Foreign Affairs analysis warns that Houthi military know-how—especially drones and naval operations—may be reaching Sudanese armed groups via Port Sudan, potentially deepening a Yemen–Iran–Sudan security network. Biodefense R&D: Arisan Therapeutics won an NIAID contract to develop an orally administered small-molecule antiviral targeting Ebola virus disease, including activity against Sudan virus in preclinical work. Materials for Clean Energy: Scientists discuss high-entropy alloys as a potential breakthrough for Africa’s clean-energy supply chain, shifting value from raw mineral exports toward advanced materials manufacturing.

Sudan War & Tech/Arms Links: A new Foreign Affairs report warns that Houthi military know-how is being exported to Sudan, with claims of Houthi operatives in Port Sudan training fighters in drone manufacturing and operations, including similarities between Sudanese “Safrouq” and Iran-linked drone models. Red Sea Security: Saudi Arabia has launched a 14-country naval task force to counter Houthi attacks and protect shipping through the Red Sea and Bab-al-Mandab, with Sudan listed among participants (Eritrea also reportedly joining). Regional Geopolitics (Horn of Africa): Eritrea is portrayed as an increasingly strategic Red Sea player, leveraging ports like Assab and Massawa and its position near Bab-al-Mandab to shape diplomacy and trade amid Yemen-linked maritime risks. Sudan’s Development Challenge: A Sudanese Online analysis argues that despite long agricultural investment, rural poverty and conflict persist, especially after the 2023 war, pointing to failures in inclusive development and food-security planning. AI & Cybercrime (Africa angle): A report says AI tools are accelerating fraud across East Africa, including deepfake-driven scams and account takeovers—an emerging digital security concern for the region.

Sudan War Accountability: New reporting highlights how the UAE’s alleged arms and drone support for the RSF is drawing sharper scrutiny from the UK and US, as analysts argue “evidence is stacking up” against claims of non-involvement. Food Security Research: A new famine-focused research push argues famine isn’t a sudden event but a system that can be forecast and interrupted, using methods borrowed from infectious-disease forecasting—relevant for Sudan’s escalating hunger risk. Conflict Impact on Education: Coverage spotlights Sudanese students trying to keep learning amid war, including the education crisis and calls for strict accountability over attacks on schools. Health in Conflict Settings: A piece on reducing healthcare’s environmental footprint in war zones points to practical steps like cleaner energy and supply practices for hospitals under pressure. Agriculture & Development Gap: An adapted analysis revisits why Sudan’s long agricultural investment hasn’t translated into rural prosperity, especially after the 2023 war intensified displacement and insecurity. Regional Tech/Infrastructure Angle: Broader reporting on submarine cable vulnerabilities flags the Red Sea as a key risk area for digital resilience—an issue that matters for Sudan’s connectivity during conflict.

Sudan’s War & Displacement: A report on Sudan’s civil war highlights how ethnic violence and foreign backing complicate the “army vs RSF” narrative, with El Obeid and Kordofan described as flashpoints where sieges and targeted violence deepen displacement. Red Sea Tech & Security: Saudi Arabia has launched a 14-country naval coalition to counter Houthi attacks and protect shipping, with Sudan listed among participants—raising the stakes for regional maritime security and the tech behind surveillance and drones. Sudan’s Agriculture & Investment Gap: A Sudanese Online analysis argues that despite long-running agricultural investment, rural poverty and conflict persist, pointing to failures in balanced development and food security. Energy & Industry Links: Sudan says it expects financing and joint projects with Belarus Development Bank, including grain storage, tractors and power-industry components, plus training and telecom cooperation. Health in Conflict: A piece on reducing healthcare’s carbon footprint in war settings focuses on how hospitals in places like Sudan can cut environmental harm while still delivering care. Bio & Materials Opportunity: Coverage of Africa’s “biofiber” potential spotlights agricultural waste as a future feedstock for nonwovens and composites—an angle relevant to Sudan’s science and manufacturing ambitions.

Sudan Tech & Research: Sudan’s war is also reshaping education and care, with reports on students refusing to stop learning and Sudan turning to foster families as conflict disrupts support for vulnerable children. Agriculture & Food Systems: A Sudanese Online analysis revisits why a century of agricultural investment hasn’t delivered inclusive development or stability, arguing the investment model failed to build food security and peace. Energy & Industry Finance: Sudan says it expects financing and joint projects with Belarus Development Bank, including grain storage, tractor and agricultural machinery localization, power-industry components, and training. Health & Biotech: A nanoparticle pan-Ebolavirus vaccine study reports protection in rodents against lethal Zaire and Sudan virus infections. STEM & Skills: Sudan’s broader tech-and-jobs conversation shows up in coverage of how IT skills can unlock employment pathways for youth. Security Tech: Submarine cable protection is flagged as a growing digital chokepoint risk, with incidents tied to state sabotage and maritime tensions—an issue that matters for Sudan’s connectivity resilience too.

Sudan War & Care Systems: Khartoum state is shifting from institutional care to foster-family placements as war disrupts services, with officials citing deaths among children without parental care and evacuations to other states. Health Tech/Research: Soligenix halted its Phase III topical gel for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma after interim analysis showed it was unlikely to meet primary goals. Connectivity & Telecom Finance: Zain Group reported strong H1 2026 results, with net income up 73% YoY and 5G-driven customer growth across Middle East and Africa. Public Health & Vaccines: Public Health Vaccines (PHV) awarded BioMaP-Consortium a contract to onshore manufacturing of its PHV01, rVSV-MARV vaccine. Energy & Supply Chains: India’s LPG dependence on the U.S. is rising sharply, with imports from the U.S. reaching 0.77 million tonnes in June as diversification responds to regional risk. STEM Jobs: Aptech urged Nigerian youth to build IT skills for employment and entrepreneurship, citing large training numbers and university credit-transfer pathways.

Sudan Education & Tech Access: UNHCR–Mastercard Foundation scholarships are helping displaced Sudanese students keep degrees alive, including learners studying information management and civil engineering despite war disruptions. Humanitarian Systems: Khartoum state is shifting from institutional care to foster-family support for children without parental care as residential facilities face power, fuel, and health breakdowns. Conflict & Infrastructure: Satellite-backed reporting highlights worsening conditions in El Obeid, with damage to fuel and power facilities and expanding displacement sites amid ongoing SAF–RSF fighting. Health Research: A pan-Ebolavirus nanoparticle vaccine study reports protection in rodents against both Zaire and Sudan virus infections, pointing to broader outbreak readiness. Regional Tech/ICT Finance: Zain Group says 5G expansion helped lift H1 2026 net income 73% YoY to $717m, with 51.9m customers across Middle East and Africa. Policy & Governance: A workshop on higher education reform stresses transparency, inclusivity, and evidence-based faculty recruitment and promotion.

Sudan’s child care shift: Khartoum state is moving from residential institutions to foster families as war cripples services, with reports of children dying amid hospital shutdowns, fuel shortages and meningitis. Education continuity in crisis: UNHCR–Mastercard Foundation DAFI scholarships are helping displaced Sudanese students keep degrees alive, including those studying information management and civil engineering. Humanitarian pressure in El Obeid: Satellite imagery and UN warnings point to siege-like conditions in El Obeid, with damage to fuel/power and health facilities and worsening displacement. Defense tech spotlight: Sudanese Armed Forces paraded Pakistani-made Mohafiz-V armored vehicles in Khartoum, raising concerns about foreign arms deepening the SAF–RSF conflict. Public health threat: Anopheles stephensi, the urban malaria mosquito, is spreading across the Horn including Sudan, with WHO warning of major city outbreaks. Vaccine research: A pan-Ebolavirus nanoparticle vaccine protected rodents against both Zaire and Sudan virus infections, a boost for outbreak readiness. Higher education policy: A workshop on university faculty recruitment and promotion emphasized transparency, research incentives and result-oriented systems. Cyber risk context: Ransomware is rising fast, with experts warning states are increasingly embedding into the ransomware ecosystem.

Sudan Education Under Fire: India urged strict accountability for parties attacking schools in Sudan, citing a UN-reported 57% rise in attacks and warning that 17+ million children are out of school. Humanitarian Siege in Kordofan: Satellite imagery and UN warnings highlight worsening conditions in El Obeid, with damage to fuel/power and health facilities and repeated drone strikes as the SAF–RSF fight intensifies. Refugee Students Keep Studying: UNHCR–Mastercard Foundation scholarships (DAFI) are helping displaced Sudanese and refugees keep degrees alive, offering tuition plus psychological support. Ebola Vaccine Tech: A Nature Communications study reports a pan-Ebolavirus nanoparticle vaccine protecting rodents against both Zaire and Sudan virus infections—useful for faster outbreak readiness. Malaria’s Urban Shift: WHO warns the invasive Anopheles stephensi mosquito is driving year-round, city-based malaria risk across Sudan and the Horn, with growing insecticide resistance. Foreign Arms Spotlight: Reports of Pakistani-made Mohafiz-V armored vehicles appearing in Khartoum raise fresh concerns about foreign defense supplies feeding Sudan’s war.

Sudan Conflict & Humanitarian Tech: Satellite imagery and UN warnings spotlight El Obeid’s eroding “life-support” systems as drone strikes hit fuel, power, and health facilities, with displacement sites expanding and fuel queues growing. Defense & Procurement Signals: Reports say Sudan’s Armed Forces have begun fielding Pakistani-made Mohafiz-V armored vehicles in Khartoum, pointing to a wider $1.5B defense package that may include drones and air-defense gear—raising concerns about foreign arms fueling the war. Public Health & Vaccine Science: A Nature Communications study reports a pan-Ebolavirus nanoparticle vaccine protected rodents against lethal Zaire and Sudan virus infections, a promising step for faster outbreak readiness across Ebola species. Mosquito-Borne Risk: WHO warns the invasive Anopheles stephensi mosquito is spreading urban malaria risk across Africa, with resistance to major insecticides and daytime biting undermining standard control. Education Under Fire: India urged strict accountability at the UN over attacks on Sudan’s schools, citing a 57% rise in school attacks and warning that protection without accountability fails. Higher-Education Reform: A policy workshop pushed Sudan-relevant themes—transparent, inclusive, result-oriented faculty recruitment and promotion systems, plus research and innovation incentives.

Humanitarian Tech & Conflict Impact: Satellite imagery and UN warnings show El Obeid’s fuel, power, and health systems degrading under repeated drone strikes, with displacement sites expanding and fuel queues lengthening. Public Health Innovation: A Nature Communications study reports a pan-Ebolavirus nanoparticle vaccine that protected rodents against both Zaire and Sudan ebolaviruses, pointing to faster, broader outbreak readiness. Education Under Fire: India urged strict accountability for attacks on Sudan’s schools at a UN meeting, citing a sharp rise in school attacks and warning that protection without accountability fails. Defense & Drones: Reports of Pakistani Mohafiz-V armored vehicles reaching Khartoum highlight deeper foreign military involvement, while El Obeid residents describe drones as a constant, indiscriminate threat. Mobility & Migration Reality: A commentary argues no border wall can stop desperation driving migration, tying movement to unequal life chances and unsafe routes. Energy Access (Regional Lesson): Data on Sierra Leone’s electricity gap underscores how power shortages keep rural communities behind—an issue Sudan planners can’t ignore.