AGP Executive Report

Power & Infrastructure: Sudan’s Merowe Dam power station is back in the spotlight after a fire knocked it completely out of service, triggering widespread blackouts; engineers are working to restore electricity, with spare parts still expected from abroad and no clear timetable announced. Health Tech & Vaccines: Public Health Vaccines (PHV) won a BioMaP-Consortium contract to transfer production and testing of its PHV01 live viral Marburg vaccine candidate to the US, aiming to expand domestic vaccine manufacturing capacity. Digital Economy: A new analysis looks at how fintech in Sudan is shifting from “innovation” to economic survival amid conflict—covering banking disruption, remittances, and resilience for households and businesses. Energy Security & Trade Routes: Coverage highlights how regional maritime security and Red Sea shipping risks are reshaping routes tied to Sudan’s wider crisis environment. Conflict & Civilian Impact: Reports describe a Sudanese military drone strike hitting a traditional court session in Darfur, raising concerns about attacks on civilian gatherings and the growing use of drones in targeting communities.

Sudan Conflict & Tech: A Sudanese military drone strike hit a customary court session in Garra al-Zawaya, North Darfur, killing at least 35 people and injuring others, raising fresh alarms about drones being used against civilian gatherings and judicial spaces. Sanctions & Accountability: The US is pushing harder on chemical weapons allegations tied to Sudan, tightening sanctions and urging independent investigations through the OPCW rather than Sudan-led probes. Food Security Diplomacy: Denmark is set to press the UN Security Council to act against starvation in war zones, explicitly naming Sudan alongside Ukraine and Palestinian territories as conflicts worsening global food access. Health Research: WHO and partners have started international clinical trials for Bundibugyo-virus treatments and prevention, aiming to improve survival for a strain that has no targeted vaccine yet. Agritech for Resilience: A new chickpea variety is being piloted across southern Africa to cut nitrogen needs and boost climate resilience, incomes, and nutrition. Diagnostics Innovation: OraSure reported progress in decentralizing diagnostics, citing FDA clearance for an at-home urine collection device and an Ebola 2.0 rapid test authorization.

Ebola Research: WHO and INRB have opened international trials for targeted treatments and vaccines against the Bundibugyo Ebola strain, with enrollment starting in the DRC and plans to test prevention and therapy approaches. Food & Energy Affordability: A new study tracks how the Ukraine war reshaped what Kenyan families could afford, linking higher food prices to cooking fuel use in Nairobi’s informal settlements. Climate-Resilient Crops: ICRISAT and FAO-backed work highlights a new chickpea variety for southern Africa that needs less nitrogen fertilizer and aims to boost nutrition and farmer incomes. Sudan Conflict Tech & Civilian Harm: Rights groups report a Sudanese military drone strike that hit a customary court session in North Darfur, killing dozens and raising alarms about drones targeting civilian gatherings. Sudan Chemical Weapons Accountability: The US tightens sanctions and presses for independent OPCW investigations after renewed chemical weapons allegations in Sudan. Food Security Partnerships: CIMMYT and WFP sign a major agreement to strengthen crisis response and build more resilient farming systems. Energy Infrastructure: BHEL lands a large gas turbine generator order tied to Dangote’s refinery in Nigeria, signaling continued regional power-sector engineering momentum.

Sudan Conflict & Accountability: The US escalated pressure over alleged chemical weapons use in Sudan, urging the OPCW to run independent probes and rejecting a Sudan-led national committee, while sanctions and international scrutiny continue to grow. Sudan Drone Warfare: A Sudanese military drone strike in North Darfur hit a customary court gathering, killing at least 35 people and injuring others, with rights groups warning drones are increasingly used against civilian spaces. Regional Tech & Security: A wider analysis argues Sudan has become a regional proxy war, shaped by external supplies of drones, logistics, and political cover—raising questions about why accountability targets focus narrowly. Food & Agri Innovation: FAO says global hunger fell, but Africa still lags; meanwhile CIMMYT and WFP signed a partnership to strengthen crisis response and resilient farming systems. Energy & Industry: BHEL secured a major gas turbine order tied to Dangote’s refinery in Nigeria, and Africa’s energy access push highlights “Mission 300” goals to connect hundreds of millions to electricity. Digital Tools & Risks: Google Earth paused an AI feature after users generated troubling satellite overlays, underscoring disinformation risks in geospatial tech.

Sudan Drone Strike on Customary Courts: A drone attack in Garra al-Zawiya, North Darfur, reportedly killed at least 35 people during a community court session under a tree, turning local dispute resolution into a killing field. Darfur Justice at Risk: The ICC’s Darfur probe could face new hurdles as Chad—hosting 1.3 million Sudanese refugees—plans to withdraw from the International Criminal Court amid US pressure. Food Security Signals: FAO reports global hunger fell by about 43 million (2022–2025), but Africa still carries the heaviest burden (20% food insecure in 2025). CIMMYT–WFP Partnership: CIMMYT and WFP signed a new MoU to strengthen crisis response and build resilient farming systems for future shocks. Energy & Power Tech in Africa: BHEL secured a major order to supply and supervise eight gas turbine generator packages for Dangote’s refinery in Nigeria, highlighting continued regional engineering demand. Tech Governance Warning: A report describes China’s surveillance platform for foreigners, raising fresh concerns about digital monitoring and privacy.

Drone Strike on Customary Courts: A drone attack in North Darfur hit a community court gathering under a tree in Garra al-Zawiya, killing at least 35 people and injuring others, with reports naming both tribal leaders and RSF commanders among the dead. Migration Crisis Tech & Policy Spillover: Thousands of migrants surged into Spain’s Ceuta from Morocco, with minors describing drownings and separation; authorities installed a floating barrier and many arrivals now report hunger and hostility as they return. Sudan Justice at Risk: The ICC’s Darfur probe could face new hurdles as Chad signals withdrawal from the court, despite hosting 1.3 million Sudanese refugees. Regional Conflict Watch: Fresh clashes in Ethiopia along the Sudan border and with Tigray forces are reported to involve drones and heavy artillery, raising fears of wider spillover. Tech & Surveillance: A report says China’s surveillance system also tracks foreigners via a platform tied to robotics and policing services. Energy & Industry: BHEL secured a major gas turbine generator contract for Nigeria’s Dangote refinery, highlighting continued power-sector engineering investment across the region.

Humanitarian Crisis: Médecins Sans Frontières says more than 1 in 5 pregnant and breastfeeding women in eastern Chad’s Adré are acutely malnourished, with severe funding shortages hitting food and healthcare access. Justice & Accountability: The Trump push to weaken the International Criminal Court could derail a Darfur probe, after Chad—hosting 1.3 million Sudanese refugees—announced plans to withdraw from the court. Sudan Conflict Tech Links: UN experts and Reuters reporting allege Boeing aircraft tied to a US military contractor network helped move drones, weapons, and mercenaries into Darfur for the RSF via the N’Djamena–Nyala air corridor. Health Under Pressure: Newborn deaths across vulnerable communities in sub-Saharan Africa rose sharply amid aid cuts, with UNHCR-linked data showing worsening neonatal mortality among refugee women. Climate Risk: UN and scientists warn a strengthening El Niño will bring more extreme heat, drought, and heavy rainfall worldwide.

ICC & Darfur Accountability: The Trump administration’s push to weaken the International Criminal Court could derail a Darfur war-crimes probe, after Chad—hosting 1.3 million Sudanese refugees—announced it will withdraw from the court. Sudan Sanctions & Chemical Weapons: The US tightens sanctions on Sudan’s military junta and bars state-linked aircraft from US airspace, citing alleged chemical weapons use and demanding independent inspections. UN Probe on RSF Logistics: UN experts say Boeing aircraft linked to a US military contractor network helped move fighters, foreign mercenaries, drones and weapons into Darfur via the N’Djamena–Nyala air corridor. Child Recruitment in Sudan: Reporting highlights RSF recruitment and training of children, including claims of foreign fighters instructing minors and using drones to target civilian areas. Humanitarian Tech & Health Pressure: Aid cuts are linked to a sharp rise in newborn deaths across vulnerable communities, with refugee-focused data showing worsening maternal and child health indicators. Climate Risk for the Region: UN and scientists warn a strengthening El Niño will drive extreme heat, drought and heavy rainfall—conditions that can worsen food and water stress across Africa. Regional Security Tech Angle: Saudi-led maritime defense planning expands to include Sudan, aiming to protect Red Sea shipping lanes amid escalating threats.

Neonatal Health Crisis: New data from UNHCR-linked analysis shows neonatal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa jumped 81% from 2025 to 2026 among the most vulnerable refugee women, with aid cuts blamed for worsening maternal and child survival indicators. Sudan Conflict Accountability: UN experts and Reuters reporting tie Boeing aircraft linked to a US contractor network to drone, weapons, and mercenary transport for Sudan’s RSF, including flights into Darfur. US Sanctions on Sudan: Washington barred state-linked aircraft from US airspace and tightened borrowing access over alleged chemical weapons use, demanding independent inspections and full reporting. Child Recruitment in Sudan: AP investigation describes RSF-linked recruitment and training of children, including minors forced to operate artillery and taught by foreign fighters. Regional Tech & Education Link: A Russia-focused study highlights growing African student interest in Russian universities, including engineering and science pathways that could shape future research capacity. Climate Shock: UN and scientists warn strengthening El Niño will intensify extreme heat, drought, and rainfall worldwide—raising risks for food and health systems. Maritime Security: Saudi-led Red Sea naval alliance expands with Sudan listed among participating states, aiming to protect shipping lanes amid Houthi threats.

Sudan Conflict & Accountability: UN investigators say Boeing aircraft tied to a US military contractor’s network flew fighters, foreign mercenaries, drones and weapons into Darfur via the N’Djamena–Nyala air corridor for RSF operations, echoing a Reuters trace of aircraft links to the same contractor network. US Sanctions & Chemical Weapons: The US barred Sudan-junta-linked aircraft from US airspace and tightened export, finance and aviation restrictions after alleged chemical weapons use, pushing for independent inspections. Child Recruitment in Sudan: An AP investigation describes RSF conscripting children and using foreign fighters to train minors, including accounts of drone-directed targeting of civilian areas. Regional Tech & Security (Red Sea): Sudan is listed among 14 countries backing a Saudi-led maritime defense alliance aimed at protecting shipping lanes around Bab al-Mandeb, the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Climate Risk for Sudan: UN and scientists warn a strengthening El Niño will intensify extreme heat, drought and heavy rainfall worldwide—conditions that can worsen Sudan’s food and water pressures. Humanitarian & Migration Pressure: Reuters reports migrants returning from Spain’s Ceuta cite hunger and hostility, as Spain builds a longer sea-border barrier with Morocco.

US-Sudan Chemical Weapons Pressure: The US has barred Sudanese junta-linked aircraft from US airspace and tightened access to international borrowing, citing continued noncompliance with Chemical Weapons Convention demands. US Congress on Sudan: Lawmakers are weighing new Sudan bills that would move policy from executive action to stronger legal oversight, including accountability for atrocities and financing networks. Red Sea Security Tech & Logistics: Saudi Arabia has launched a multinational maritime defense alliance to protect shipping lanes around the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, with Sudan listed among participating states—showing how regional security planning is now tightly tied to trade routes. El Niño Climate Risk: UN officials warn a strengthening El Niño could bring extreme heat, drought, and heavy rainfall worldwide, with food and water systems likely under added stress. Sudan-linked Research Governance: A Makerere University vaccine project targeting kala-azar/PKDL (with Sudan in the research network) faces scrutiny over long-running financial management weaknesses. Human Potential & STEM: A commentary argues the world’s biggest resource is human potential, highlighting how conflict and lack of opportunity block science and tech progress. Electric Rail Manufacturing: India’s Banaras Locomotive Works set a July record producing 65 electric locomotives, and notes exports including to Sudan.

Red Sea Security: Saudi Arabia launched a multinational maritime defense alliance to protect shipping lanes around Bab al-Mandab and the Gulf of Aden, with 14 backers including Sudan, Türkiye, Egypt, Djibouti and Somalia—framing it as a defensive effort for freedom of navigation and energy supply. Sudan Policy & Accountability: US lawmakers are weighing two bills that would shift Sudan oversight from executive action to stronger congressional control, with added focus on atrocities, sanctions, and financing networks. Chemical Weapons Sanctions: The US imposed a second round of sanctions on Sudan over alleged chemical weapons use by the SAF, expanding export controls and adding financial/aviation restrictions. Health Research Scrutiny: Makerere University’s PREV-PKDL kala-azar vaccine project (ChAd63-KH) faces Auditor General findings on budget absorption and tax remittance issues, while the work includes Sudan in the research network. War’s Human Cost: AP reports former child soldiers in Sudan’s RSF say they were trained by Colombian mercenaries, highlighting forced recruitment and abuse. Climate & Food Risk: UN warnings say intensifying El Niño could worsen extreme weather and global hunger pressures, on top of existing conflict-driven supply strain. Tech Watch: Researchers unveiled a drone design (“Phantom Twist”) that spins fast enough to exploit human vision limits, making it far harder to see—though it still has sound and structural visibility limits.

Sudan Policy & Accountability: US Congress is weighing two bills that would shift Washington’s Sudan approach from executive action to a stronger legal framework, expanding oversight and investigations into financing networks tied to the war, including gold trading, aviation, banks, shipping, and external backers. Child Soldiers & Foreign Arms Links: New reporting from Khartoum describes children forced to fight for Sudan’s RSF, including accounts of training by Colombian mercenaries, pointing to wider foreign involvement and alleged UAE-linked recruitment and weapons flows. Red Sea Security With Sudan in the Mix: Saudi Arabia’s proposed maritime defense coalition against Houthi attacks is gaining backing from multiple states, with Sudan named among supporters—raising stakes for shipping routes and regional security. Water & Resilience in the Sahel: Coverage highlights how ancient water-harvesting and soil practices are helping parts of the Sahel recover after drought, aligning with the Great Green Wall’s drought-resilience goals. Health Research Angle: WHO-approved updates on neglected diseases treatment appear in the wider week’s coverage, including progress on kala-azar—relevant to Sudan’s public health priorities.

Sudan War & Humanitarian Tech: AP reports children conscripted into Sudan’s RSF were trained by Colombian mercenaries, with accounts of kids shackled to weapons and forced to fire on targets identified by drones—raising fresh alarms about foreign-linked recruitment and battlefield tech use. Regional Peace & Diplomacy: Sudan’s foreign minister says the country is “closer to peace,” rejects negotiations with the RSF (labeled terrorist), and points to Türkiye as a key reconstruction partner. Security & Logistics: Africa File details SAF taking a central Sudan supply line, potentially reshaping the front and complicating any US-led peace track. Food Systems Risk: Coverage warns El Niño could intensify drought/flooding and, on top of Ukraine and Middle East shocks, push food inflation higher—an indirect pressure point for Sudan’s food security. Health & Neglected Diseases: WHO approved shorter, more patient-friendly kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis) regimens in Eastern Africa, a reminder that better treatment access matters for Sudan’s broader neglected-disease landscape. Science Policy Watch: Public Citizen critiques US bilateral pathogen specimen-sharing deals as potentially undermining a multilateral WHO system for fair access to health tools.

Sudan War & Tech: Reuters-backed reporting says foreign networks are still feeding the RSF with drones, fighters and military equipment via regional corridors, citing a draft UN report due in September—another reminder that modern conflict logistics are increasingly tech-driven. Humanitarian & Cities: UN and G7 warnings highlight “no safe options” for thousands sheltering in el-Obeid as RSF advances raise fears of renewed attacks on the army-controlled city. Diplomacy & Peace Roadmaps: The Pan-African Parliament calls for an extraordinary session and a Sudan ceasefire roadmap, urging stronger regional action and pushing back against parallel RSF governance. Health & Neglected Diseases: WHO approved updated kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis) and PKDL treatment guidelines, including a shorter oral-based regimen that cuts painful injections—relevant for Sudan’s wider neglected-disease landscape. Climate & Food Security: A potentially record-strength El Niño is intensifying, with risks of drought or flooding that could worsen food inflation and crop losses across key farming regions—pressuring Sudan’s food system. Research Capacity: East African scientists are urged to lead fossil and human-origins research locally through training and stronger institutions, including support for Sudanese researchers.

Sudan Peace & Diplomacy: Sudan’s foreign minister says the country is “closer to peace” and calls Türkiye a “strategic ally,” while stressing no negotiation with RSF fighters. Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan: El Obeid’s displaced families face fresh danger as RSF fighters are warned to be preparing attacks on the army-controlled city. Conflict Reporting & Tech: A new look at Sudan’s communications blackouts and drone-driven warfare highlights how hard it is to document abuses when connectivity and verification collapse. Water & Infrastructure: Falling Nile levels expose gaps in Sudan’s water management, with experts pointing to reservoir operations, data-sharing, and coordination—not just the GERD. Health & Research: WHO approved updated kala-azar treatment guidelines, including a shorter oral-plus-injection regimen that could reduce suffering across Eastern Africa, including Sudan. Internet & Connectivity: Cloudflare reports Sudan internet outages tied to national exam periods, underscoring how disruptions can hit access to learning and services. Capacity Building: African scientists are urged to lead fossil and paleoanthropology research through training, mentorship, and stronger local institutions.