January 2025 Newsletter
Executive Summary
Greetings from Sudan Defenders!
I am pleased to share with you the highlights from our recent activities and initiatives in this month’s newsletter. On January 20, 2025, we convened for the 2nd annual general assembly of SudanDefenders, an event made possible by the steadfast support of DefendDefenders since our coalition was formed in 2022. We reviewed and approved our outgoing committee’s performance and budget reports during the General Assembly. Our discussions centred on the pressing conditions faced by human rights defenders within and outside Sudan, including the structure of our coalition, proposed amendments to our bylaws, the expansion of our membership, and the election of a new board of directors comprised of 11 dedicated human rights defenders.
On 21 January 2025, we launched our report, “Research on the Situation of Sudanese Human Rights Defenders after the War of April 15, 2023.” This crucial report delves into the ongoing challenges confronting our defenders, offering insights and recommendations to key stakeholders to enhance their capacity to work effectively.
The newly elected Board of Directors is committed to implementing the recommendations from our general assembly, including the critical appointment of a coordinator and a secretariat to guide our work plan for 2025-2027. Our goals include managing new membership applications, broadening the coalition, securing essential resources, and fostering strong communication with defenders inside and outside Sudan.
Unfortunately, the humanitarian and human rights situation in Sudan remains dire in the aftermath of the April 15, 2023 war, with no immediate political resolution in sight despite various initiatives. Our coalition and partners are dedicated to continuing our advocacy efforts to halt the violence, hold accountable those who violate international human rights laws, and ensure the protection of defenders, allowing them to pursue their important work.
Our latest issue highlights Abdlbagi Hamad, whose story of resilience and determination shines through the darkness in a world of turmoil. His journey, which was marked by hardship and a yearning for peace, stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit amidst conflict.
Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement. I invite you all to delve into our January newsletter.
Shawqi Yaqoub
Chairperson, Board of Directors
Updates on Sudan
Highlights with info graphics
SudanDefenders successfully held their 2nd General Assembly from 20th-22nd January 2025.
Medical Authorities urged members of the public to wear masks to mitigate potential harm from the thick smoke that arose from a fire that broke out at Al Jeili oil refinery.
According to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “Sudanese women, children, and men are paying the price for the continued military offensives by the belligerents.”
Humanitarian Impact( Sickness, famine, diseases)
On 15 January 2025, an event of significant concern unfolded in El Fasher when military forces impacted the Sultan Ali Dinar Palace. The destruction of such a notable structure poses a risk not only to the physical landscape but also to the cultural and historical identity of the Sudanese people.
On 23 January 2025, thick black smoke filled the air over Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, after an explosion at the Al Jeili refinery complex north of the city. The explosion coincided with fierce fighting for control of the Garri industrial zone.
On 24 January 2025, a bombing targeted the maternity ward of the Saudi Hospital in El Fasher, North Darfur, resulting in the deaths of at least 70 individuals and injuring many others, according to reports from the El Fasher Resistance Committees. This devastating attack obliterated the city’s only fully operational health facility, raising alarm over the safety of expecting mothers and newborns who depend on it for essential medical care.
Human Rights Violations (aerial bombardments, attacks
On 1 January 2025, Taiba, Karari and Kashlungu neighborhoods were subjected to heavy airstrikes, including two consecutive raids, killing five members of one family in Karari. The raid on the technical school in Karari destroyed a large part of the school.
Nyala Airport was also subjected to two airstrikes despite the absence of any military activity there. All targeted locations were civilian areas free of any military presence. These attacks led to the forced displacement of the city’s residents to neighbouring villages.
On 5 January 2025, the Fata Barno IDP camp in Kutum, North Darfur State, was subjected to an aerial bombing by military aircraft. The attack resulted in the death of 3 individuals, the injury of several displaced persons, and the destruction of their homes, exacerbating the suffering of the camp’s residents.
On 11 January 2025, the Sudanese Armed Forces regained control of Wad Madani, liberating the city from the hold of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia. Following this development, reports surfaced detailing severe human rights violations against unarmed civilians in the Kanabi areas of Al-Jazirah.
On 13 January 2025, the neighbourhoods of Nyala city in South Darfur State were subjected to aerial bombardment that killed 4 civilians and resulted in significant destruction of infrastructure
On 25 January 2025, the Sudanese army gained significant ground against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum, breaking a 21-month siege on its headquarters.
Relief Efforts
From 21 January 2025, the World Health Organisation and the Federal Ministry of Health of Sudan conducted a 3-day induction workshop to implement the World Bank-funded Sudan Health Assistance & Response in Emergencies (SHARE) project, which will bring US$ 82 M to Sudan, US$ 19 M of it through WHO to improve access to health & nutrition services.
Advocacy and Policy
On 25 January 2025, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concerns over the recent escalation of fighting in Sudan and called for genuine dialogue to end the conflict.
On 26 January 2025, According to Ali al-Sadiq Youssif, Sudan’s foreign minister, Kenya reassessed its stance on Sudan and stated that it would not recognize any government formed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This remark suggested a shift in Nairobi’s position following the recent battlefield gains made by the Sudanese army.
Updates on Support provided to HRDs by DefendDefenders and SudanDefenders/ Engagements
Actions by SudanDefenders
Sudan Defenders General Assembly
SudanDefenders convened the 2024 general assembly from January 20th to 22nd, 2025. It had 31 participants: 15 males and 11 females were present in person, and 5 joined online. The three-day meeting focused on the progress achieved and challenges faced by the outgoing committee, the amendment of the constitution, and the election of a new board of directors.
Launch of the research on the situation of Sudanese Human Rights Defenders after the war of April 15,2023.
On 23 January 2025, SudanDefenders launched research on the situation of Sudanese Human Rights Defenders after the war of April 15, 2023. The research highlights the violations that human rights defenders in Sudan were subjected to and their painful experiences. The overall objective of the research was to examine the situation of Human Rights Defenders during the ongoing war both in Sudan and in exile.
Consultative visit by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Sudan to SudanDefenders
DefendDefenders and SudanDefenders organized a one-day consultation for the Dutch ambassador to Sudan to meet with the exiled Sudanese HRDs in Uganda. The meeting brought together 29 HRDs (15 male, 15 female). During the meeting, HRDs highlighted the impact of the ongoing war in Sudan on their work and safety, moreover, HRDs shared experiences and testimonies about impact of DefendDefenders protection grants in securing and sustaining themselves in exile. In addition, the ambassador discussed the challenges and practical suggestions to end the war and ensure justice and accountability for the victims of violations with the participants
Through the Eyes of Abdbagi Hamad
Originally from Jazira in Wad Madane, Abdbagi Hamad served as a general manager of a civil society organization in North Darfur before finding refuge in Uganda on 24 June 2024. His departure from El Fasher came after witnessing his private company, which was focused on infrastructure and environmental studies, fall victim to looting. With his assets stripped away and a family to support, he was forced to rely on his dwindling savings as he struggled to rebuild his life in a new country.
Upon arriving in Uganda, he received a grant from DefendDefenders (DD) to evacuate his family. However, the costs were staggering—$4,500 was needed for transportation to South Sudan.
“ The grant enabled me to transport my family to safety, which was a great relief to see them leave the war-torn environment and get to safety”
With little left after ensuring their safe passage, he faced the challenge of establishing a steady source of income. He sent $2,000 in two instalments to assist his nuclear and extended family relocate safely. At the same time, the remaining funds were allocated towards personal necessities and joining a collective of 20 individuals focused on chicken farming and fertilizer production.
Amidst these difficulties, he also found a profound sense of purpose. In El Fasher, he had established a fistula organization, funding surgeries for 24 patients during the chaos of war. After settling in Uganda, he discovered a support group that offered not only psychosocial assistance but also the strength to begin anew. However, his past still looms large; he recalls being arrested and humiliated by warring factions, enduring brutal beatings, and losing companions during perilous journeys.
The impact of the conflict extends beyond personal suffering—it has ravaged entire communities. In Darfur, the displacement and mass killings of civilians have become stark realities, with civilians caught in violent crossfire. Meanwhile, in Al Jazira, a second wave of displacement struck and families were torn torn apart and lives lost, including the devastating loss of 20 relatives from his village.
As the conflict continues, urgent needs loom large. Access to food, clean drinking water, and healthcare remains critical for survivors. In response, he initiated a WhatsApp group to gather funds, aiming to provide much-needed support to those affected.
His message to the outside world is clear:
“The divisions among those who are pro-war and anti-war ignore the shared suffering of innocent civilians. Both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have committed atrocities.”
He urges that no conflict party should receive support until the war comes to an end. The loss of life and property cannot be restored; it is imperative to stop the violence and work together to provide meaningful support to Sudan.
Despite the overwhelming challenges, he holds on to hope. He believes in the potential for peace, fueled by a growing sense of unity among individuals recognizing the complexities of the conflict. With perseverance and collective strength, he envisions a day when the war will cease, paving the way for a brighter future.