The fall of al-Fashir, the last stronghold of Sudan’s army in the Darfur region, after nearly two years under siege by the UAE-backed RSF, marks a major turning point in Sudan’s war that began in April 2023.

Talk of South Sudan’s first presidential election since its 2011 independence referendum, expected in 2026, has been clouded by setbacks as opposition leader Riek Machar prepares to challenge current President Salva Kiir Mayardit.

The oil deal signed by South Sudan in December 2023 with an enigmatic Emirati company, led by an individual suspected of international financial crimes, raises concerns about potential fraud.

The report was based on 32 verification missions conducted by UNMISS in three counties which are Koch, Leer, and Mayendit.