Latest news with #AfricanNarrativesforStrategicStudies
Daily News Egypt
09-02-2025
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Turning the Tide? Report Examines Sudanese Army's Recent Gains in 2025
As the conflict in Sudan grinds on, a new report offers a detailed look at a potentially significant shift in the war's dynamics: the Sudanese army's recent gains in early 2025. The African Narratives for Strategic Studies is a Pan-African nonprofit policy research organisation committed to reshaping the global understanding of Africa while addressing the continent's most pressing challenges. With a core focus on democracy, security, energy, economic development and human rights, they amplify African voices and perspectives to foster informed discourse, inspire innovative solutions, and promote sustainable progress. The report, 'Military Situation Assessment in Sudan 2025: Analysis of the Battles in the Period from January to February 2025 and Their Impact on the Future of the Crisis in Sudan,' authored by Political Science Researcher Ahmed Gamal El Sayyad, acknowledges the devastating impact of the conflict. Millions have been displaced, and the humanitarian situation is dire. However, it zeroes in on the army's successes in reclaiming key territory and assets. Since the beginning of 2025, the Sudanese army has managed to regain control of several strategically important locations: Wad Madani: The recapture of Wad Madani, the capital of Al-Jazeera State, was a major victory. This city holds significant economic and population importance. Khartoum Bahri: The army made key advances in Khartoum Bahri, ultimately pushing back the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia. Umm Rawaba: The army successfully retook Umm Rawaba in North Kordofan State, a strategically important city. Jelei Refinery: Securing the Jelei refinery, located north of Khartoum, was a crucial accomplishment for the army. This facility is Sudan's largest oil refinery. The report details the specific battles and operations that led to these gains, highlighting the army's efforts to dislodge the RSF militia from key positions. For instance, the army launched artillery attacks on RSF positions in Khartoum Bahri and engaged in fierce clashes in the Shambat suburb. The report quotes Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Army, Yasser Al-Atta, saying that 'Khartoum Bahri has become clean and free of rebellion, from the Jelei refinery in the north to the Mak Nimr Bridge in the south.' This statement underscores the army's confidence in its control of the city. The analysis emphasizes the strategic value of these gains. Control of Khartoum Bahri secures the River Nile State and reduces the threat to Omdurman. The army's seizure of the Mak Nimr Bridge facilitates access to the Republican Palace. Recapturing Wad Madani strengthens the army's position in the Al-Jazeera region. Of course, the report acknowledges that the conflict is far from over. The humanitarian situation remains dire, and the RSF continues to pose a significant threat. However, the army's recent successes raise important questions about the future trajectory of the war. As the report notes, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, the head of the Sovereignty Council and commander of the Sudanese army, has announced plans to form a transitional government with the goal of defeating the RSF. This suggests that the army is determined to press its advantage and pursue a military victory. The African Narratives report provides valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of the Sudanese conflict. By focusing on the army's recent gains, it sheds light on a potentially crucial turning point in the war and raises questions about the path forward. Whether these gains will ultimately lead to a lasting peace remains to be seen, but they undoubtedly represent a significant shift in the military landscape. The international community must now consider the implications of these changes as it seeks to address the ongoing crisis in Sudan.
Daily News Egypt
26-01-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
East Africa faces food insecurity, economic challenges despite growth: African Narratives
East Africa continues to lead the continent in economic growth rates, yet faces persistent challenges in poverty reduction and food security, according to a new report published Sunday by African Narratives for Strategic Studies. While economic growth shows improvement and inflation rates are relatively declining, the region struggles to translate this growth into tangible improvements for its most vulnerable populations. The East Africa in the Global Context The African Development Bank Group's 2024 annual report projected that East Africa will lead the continent's economic recovery, with a growth rate increase of 3.4%. This follows a continent-wide slowdown in average real GDP growth from 4.1% in 2022 to 3.1% in 2023, attributed to rising food and energy prices, declining export performance, climate change, and political instability. Globally, growth is predicted to decline from 3.6% in 2022 to 3.2% in 2024, rising slightly to 3.3% in 2025. Despite experiencing the highest inflation rate in Africa in 2023, with Sudan at 245.3%, some East African countries like Somalia have seen reductions. However, the cost of living remains high across the region. While global inflation is predicted to decrease to 3.5% by the end of 2025, inflationary pressures continue in several nations. East Africa is the largest recipient of official development assistance allocated to agriculture, and has also seen substantial growth in microfinance fund receipts, particularly in 2020. Economic Challenges in East African Countries Despite abundant natural resources, internal and external factors hinder the translation of resource revenues into improved living standards. East African countries face a complex web of challenges, including climate change, political instability, and limited intra-regional trade, which remains below 15% despite the East African Community's (EAC) integration goals. Rapid population growth, estimated to reach 647 million by 2050 from 332 million in 2023, places further pressure on resources and services. Inflation, though declining, remains a concern, impacting the economies of East African countries. While global food prices stabilised in mid-2024, some East African nations saw increases in basic commodity prices due to reduced production, conflict disruptions, and currency depreciation. Multidimensional poverty, encompassing deprivations in education, health, and living standards, affects 1.1 billion people globally, with nearly half concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa. Social protection systems in Africa remain fragmented, with formal systems covering only 17.4% of the population. East Africa lags behind other regions in social protection coverage, with only 11% of the population receiving cash transfers. External debt poses a significant challenge, with many African countries facing high borrowing costs. Kenya's debt-to-GDP ratio nearly doubled between 2010 and 2019, while Somalia secured substantial debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative. Armed conflicts and political instability exacerbate economic woes, particularly in Sudan, where the ongoing conflict has caused a sharp economic contraction and impacted neighbouring countries. The conflict in Ethiopia has resulted in substantial economic losses and affected vital sectors. Recurring climate events, including droughts and floods, severely impact East Africa, particularly its agriculture-dependent population. Climate change is projected to reduce staple crop production, requiring significant climate financing to address adaptation and mitigation needs. Hunger and Food Insecurity Despite previous progress in poverty reduction, crises like the COVID-19 pandemic have reversed gains, increasing poverty rates across Africa. Hunger and food insecurity are worsening, with millions facing acute food insecurity, particularly in East Africa, where drought, floods, and conflicts contribute to the crisis. The war in Ukraine has also disrupted food availability and prices, further impacting food security in the region. The report suggests several priorities to address these challenges, including increased investment in agriculture, support for small farmers, financial stability reforms, price stability-focused monetary policies, accelerated economic integration, and regional tension reduction. African Narratives for Strategic Studies is a Pan-African non-profit policy research organisation dedicated to reshaping global understanding of Africa and addressing its challenges. Focusing on democracy, security, energy, economic development, and human rights, the organisation amplifies African voices to foster informed discourse and promote sustainable progress.
