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The humanitarian situation in Sudan has taken a devastating turn as the country prepares to mark the third anniversary of the brutal conflict between the army and paramilitaries. Nearly 700 civilians have been killed in drone strikes in Sudan since the beginning of 2026, according to the United Nations.The increasing use of drones in the conflict has been noted by the UN's humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher, who warned that the world has "failed to meet the test of Sudan". The conflict has disrupted life across Sudan, particularly in the southern Kordofan region and areas of the west controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).Doctors Without Borders reported two more deaths following drone strikes launched by the Sudanese army in the Darfur region, and treated 56 people wounded in the attack. The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said that drones were "responsible for nearly 80 percent" of the at least 245 children reported killed or injured during the first three months of the year.The UN's World Food Programme (WFP) warned that the situation is being "dangerously compounded" by the war in the Middle East, which has disrupted supply chains for aid groups. The US-Israeli war on Iran has forced aid groups to use costlier, more time-consuming routes, driving up the cost of food, fuel, and fertilizer.Nearly 34 million people, almost two-thirds of the population, need humanitarian support, making Sudan "the world's largest humanitarian crisis". The situation is dire, with hundreds of thousands of children acutely malnourished, and millions being deprived of an education. Women and girls are facing systemic and brutal sexual violence.

Approximately 250 Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals are now unaccounted for following the capsizing of an overcrowded vessel in the Andaman Sea, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced on Tuesday. The boat, packed with men, women and children, succumbed to heavy winds, rough seas and severe overcrowding, according to the UNHCR statement. The disaster underscores the perilous journeys many Rohingya undertake to escape persecution in Myanmar. Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) officials reported that a patrol ship en route to Indonesia rescued nine individuals on April 9, including one woman. Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan described how the crew spotted survivors clinging to drums and logs and pulled them from deep water. Among the rescued, six have been identified as alleged traffickers and are now in police custody, as reported by the Andalou news agency. Survivor testimony paints a grim picture. Rafiqul Islam, who was lured onto the boat with promises of employment in Malaysia, recounted that passengers were confined in a holding area where some died. He said the vessel leaked oil, causing burns, and that it drifted for four days before capsizing. "We floated for nearly 36 hours before a ship rescued us," he said, estimating that 25 to 30 people died from suffocation and the crush of overcrowding. The UNHCR warned that the tragedy reflects the "dire consequences of protracted displacement and the absence of durable solutions for the Rohingya." With the Andaman Sea bordering Myanmar, Thailand and the Malay Peninsula, the region remains a hazardous corridor for smuggling networks. Malaysia continues to be a favored destination for Rohingya migrants, drawn by its Muslim-majority population and existing diaspora. However, the journey often involves dangerous sea voyages facilitated by traffickers. Since the 2017 military offensive in Myanmar that forced over 730,000 Rohingya into Bangladesh, thousands have risked their lives each year to flee ongoing violence, repression and the lack of safe, legal pathways. International observers stress that without coordinated regional action and stronger protection mechanisms, such maritime disasters are likely to recur, compounding the humanitarian crisis and destabilizing coastal security.

Eighteen Senegalese football supporters, who were convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from three to 12 months for a pitch invasion during the chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, have denied any wrongdoing.A Moroccan court in February sentenced the fans on charges of hooliganism, with prosecutors seeking stiffer penalties in the appeals court in Rabat. However, the initial sentences were upheld on Monday.The Senegalese fans argued that they had been forced onto the pitch because of a surging crowd or to avoid being spat upon and projectiles thrown towards them. They claimed it was not to protest against a refereeing decision at the end of the contentious AFCON final on January 18, which Senegal won 1-0.The Confederation of African Football (CAF) reversed Senegal’s win last month, awarding the title to Morocco two months after the final. The Senegalese Football Federation immediately instructed its lawyers to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).Defence lawyer Naima El Guellaf asked on Monday that videos of the incidents be shown to verify the identities of the 18 Senegalese in court, a move rejected by the prosecution.

Sudan's civil war, now in its fourth year, has plunged the country into one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. The conflict, which began on April 15, 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has resulted in 14 million people being forced to flee their homes, roughly a quarter of the country's population.The war has caused widespread destruction, with 40,000 people estimated to have been killed and 21 million people facing acute food insecurity, including 6.3 million in emergency conditions. The country's healthcare system is in shambles, with over 200 attacks on healthcare facilities since the war began, resulting in at least 2,052 deaths.Human rights abuses are rampant, with serious violations including massacres, forced recruitment, and arbitrary arrests. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable to conflict-related sexual violence, with 3,396 survivors of sexual violence seeking treatment in MSF-supported health facilities across North and South Darfur between January 2024 and November 2025.The international community has attempted to mediate a ceasefire, but efforts have repeatedly failed. The conflict has also disrupted humanitarian operations, with regional instability affecting supply chains and limiting the movement of goods.The situation on the ground remains dire, with millions surviving on one meal a day and famine already confirmed in multiple areas. The international community must continue to pressure the warring parties to reach a ceasefire and provide urgent humanitarian assistance to those affected.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has issued a stark warning: if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked by the ongoing US‑Israel conflict with Iran, the world could face a food ‘catastrophe’. The disruption is already halting shipments of vital agricultural inputs, a situation that could quickly cascade into higher food prices. FAO chief economist Maximo Torero told Al Jazeera that, for now, food prices have stayed stable because existing stockpiles are absorbing the shock. However, he cautioned that this buffer is temporary and that “the clock is ticking.” FAO agrifood economics director David Laborde added that if traffic does not resume, the resulting strain on energy and fertilizer markets will translate into “higher commodity and retail prices later this year and into 2027.” According to the FAO, 20‑45% of key agrifood inputs—including fertilizers, pesticides and feed—depend on maritime passage through the Hormuz chokepoint. Nearly half of the world’s traded urea, the most widely used fertilizer, also moves through the strait, making global agriculture highly vulnerable. Recent gas supply disruptions have already forced fertilizer plants in the Gulf and beyond to cut or halt production, raising concerns that farmers may have to reduce fertilizer use or face higher production costs. Torero emphasized that poorer countries are especially at risk because planting calendars leave little room for delays; a slowdown in input delivery could quickly lead to “lower output, higher inflation and slower global growth.” The blockade stems from Iran’s decision to bring traffic to a near‑total halt in retaliation for attacks by the United States and Israel, which launched a war on Tehran on 28 February, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The conflict has already doubled oil and gas prices compared with pre‑war levels. Negotiations between Iranian and US representatives over a 21‑hour marathon failed to secure a permanent ceasefire. Subsequently, US President Donald Trump announced a naval blockade, stating that the navy would interdict ships in international waters that had paid Iran a toll to traverse the strait. The US military later declared it would block all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports, including those in the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. FAO officials stress that decisive action—both a sustained ceasefire and the reopening of the waterway—is essential to prevent the looming food crisis from becoming a full‑blown catastrophe.

The Sea of Azov, once a cherished destination for Ukrainians, has become a casualty of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The 2022 invasion resulted in Russia seizing the entire sea, creating a 'land bridge' to safeguard its control of Crimea. For Ukrainians like Mariya Bubnova, the sea holds fond memories of sailing and family traditions.Bubnova, a displaced person and mother of two, recalls the warm and barely salty waters of the Azov, where she and her friends would rent sailboats. However, the Russian invasion destroyed her family's business, and they were forced to flee to the Netherlands. The loss of Azov has had a devastating impact on Ukraine's economy, with estimated losses of 10-12% of its GDP and $12.4 trillion in resources, including coal mines, metals, and rare earth minerals.While Russia has gained control of Azov, the victory is considered a Pyrrhic one, with destroyed industrial assets and infrastructure rendering the area largely unusable. The steel plants of Mariupol, once a major industrial hub, lie in ruins, and the seawater is polluted due to the destroyed sewage system and shelling. Furthermore, Russia's gains in terms of industrial assets are estimated to be 'almost zero', as Moscow can only utilize the industrial area of the city of Melitopol.The conflict has also led to a significant brain drain, with refugees from the area settling in other parts of Ukraine or in the West. Bubnova and her family have had to adapt to a new life in Slavutych, a former company town north of Kyiv. Despite the challenges, she and her husband have started a new company to produce canned soups, and her daughter has developed a new recipe for borscht.A possible development that could dramatically boost Azov's geopolitical status is the proposed canal between Azov and the Caspian Sea, which would give Caspian nations access to the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. However, this project would rival the Suez Canal and bolster Russia's role in the region, potentially working against China, Türkiye, and Iran.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has been marked by a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with 14 million people forced to flee their homes and tens of thousands reported missing. As the conflict enters its fourth year, the UN's top official in Sudan, Denise Brown, has expressed her concern over the apparent lack of political urgency to end the war.Brown described the situation as 'bloody unacceptable,' stating that it seems the world focuses on other crises and fails to find solutions for Sudan. The conflict between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese army has killed at least 150,000 people and left 33 million in need of assistance.New research by Islamic Relief reveals that almost half of Sudan's vital community kitchens have closed in the past six months, exacerbating hunger and the threat of famine. Other studies corroborate the food crisis, with millions surviving on a single meal a day. The conflict has also led to the deliberate targeting of Sudan's health infrastructure, with 37% of hospitals deemed 'non-functional' and over 200 documented attacks on health facilities.The war has set Sudan's economy back more than 30 years, according to a detailed assessment by the UN Development Programme and the Institute for Security Studies. If the conflict continues until 2030, an additional 34 million people could be pushed into deprivation. Investigators are attempting to track down tens of thousands of civilians reported missing or forcibly disappeared since the start of the war.Cases of missing persons recorded by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Sudan stand above 11,000 – an increase of more than 40% during the last year – with the true figure believed to be many times higher. The ICRC helped 62,000 families track down relatives who had gone missing last year.The issue of funding has become increasingly critical, with overall funding for Sudan's humanitarian plans now only 16% met this year. The UN agency for children, Unicef, noted that even the modest amounts forthcoming are becoming less impactful due to increasing transport costs.

Donald Trump publicly rebuked Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, claiming she showed no courage for refusing to support a U.S. strike on Iran. The remarks were made during an interview with Italy’s Corriere della Sera, where Trump said, “I’m shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong.”Meloni’s stance follows her government’s decision to suspend the automatic renewal of the defence cooperation memorandum with Israel, citing the “current situation” as justification. The move marks the first time Italy has halted the agreement, which had been in place since 2016 and facilitated military exchanges and technology sharing.Trump escalated the dispute, stating, “Giorgia Meloni doesn’t want to help us in the war… Does she like it? I can’t imagine.” He also linked his criticism to broader frustrations with European allies, accusing them of “abandoning” the United States and urging them to “go get your own oil.”Relations between Washington and Rome have already been strained after Trump’s earlier attacks on Pope Francis, whom he described as “not doing a very good job” and urged to stop “catering to the radical left.” Meloni condemned those comments as “unacceptable,” emphasizing that religious leaders should not be forced to follow political directives.Amid the diplomatic fallout, Italy is grappling with domestic challenges. A recent justice referendum, backed by the government, was defeated, a result analysts interpret as a broader vote of no confidence in Meloni’s leadership. Economic anxieties are rising as the ongoing Iran‑Israel conflict threatens global energy supplies, with the Strait of Hormuz blockade contributing to a sharp increase in diesel prices across Europe.Political historian Lorenzo Castellani of Luiss University described the situation as a “repositioning,” noting that Meloni may be wary of alienating centre‑right voters who are increasingly critical of Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, and the war’s economic repercussions.Despite the tension, Meloni reiterated that Washington remains a “priority ally,” adding that true alliances require candour: “When you are friends, particularly strategic allies, you must also have the courage to say when you disagree.”Trump’s remarks also targeted other NATO members, suggesting that countries like Spain could face troop withdrawals and accusing the United Kingdom of failing to “step up.” His comments underscore growing fractures within the alliance as the Iran conflict escalates.In parallel, Italy’s diplomatic ties with Israel are under pressure. The suspension of the defence memorandum follows a series of incidents, including Israeli airstrikes that have caused thousands of casualties in Lebanon and a near‑miss involving Italian UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon. Italy’s ambassador to Israel was summoned after Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned the Israeli raids during a visit to Beirut.The confluence of these diplomatic disputes—Trump’s criticism of Meloni, the halted Israel‑Italy defence pact, and broader NATO tensions—highlights a volatile period for European‑U.S. relations amid an intensifying Middle‑East conflict.

On O’Connell Street, a lime‑green CLAAS tractor arrived with a 19‑year‑old driver named Dylan, who explained that his convoy was the second to join a city‑wide fuel blockade that halted traffic for nearly a week. The protest, organized by farmers, hauliers and fishermen, highlighted the impact of a 60% increase in fuel duties and taxes on everyday Irish life. Dylan warned that the surge in fuel costs would eventually ripple through food prices, threatening household budgets across the nation. He and his companions, two teenagers, had endured cold nights inside the tractor, underscoring the desperation felt by many workers. The unrest, described by the Irish president as an "illegal war on Iran," has laid bare Ireland’s dependence on fossil fuels and the lack of a coherent transition strategy toward renewable energy. During six days of action, protestors blocked motorways, ports, the country’s sole oil refinery in County Cork, and fuel depots in Limerick and Galway. By the end of the week, petrol stations began to run low, prompting the justice minister to consider deploying the army. Yet on the streets, public sentiment was largely supportive; a recent poll indicated that 56% of respondents backed the demonstrators. Historical symbolism filled the scene: tractors flew the Irish tricolour beside buildings still scarred by the 1916 Easter Rising, while a lorry bore a painted coffin with the words "RIP Ireland" and a banner reading "Easter 2026". Critics on national radio questioned the tactics, citing concerns for vulnerable patients unable to reach medical appointments. Nonetheless, the direct‑action approach succeeded in drawing international attention and pressuring the government. When mounted police units arrived on Sunday morning, the convoy withdrew peacefully. Shortly thereafter, the coalition of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael announced a €500 million concession package, augmenting an earlier €250 million relief plan with cuts to excise duty and a postponement of the next carbon‑tax increase. Despite the financial concessions, a looming no‑confidence vote appears unlikely to topple the centre‑right coalition, even as public trust in traditional parties wanes. Dylan, too young to have voted in the last election, expressed little confidence in the political establishment. The protests have also been infiltrated by far‑right elements, with some speakers promoting anti‑immigrant conspiracies and misogynistic rhetoric. One spokesperson was found to have prior convictions for animal cruelty, and the Muslim Sisters of Éire reported being told to "go home" by flag‑waving agitators, highlighting a surge in xenophobic discourse. Beyond the immediate fuel price surge—up roughly 20% in a single month—the demonstrations raise broader questions about Ireland’s reliance on volatile global markets. The nation imports over 80% of its fruit and vegetables, while its data‑centre sector now consumes more electricity than all urban households combined, underscoring the tension between economic growth and sustainable energy policy. Analysts argue that lasting change cannot be achieved by pushing working people to the brink while catering to corporate interests. Ireland is expected to lobby the EU for a pause on carbon‑tax increases and to join calls for an EU‑wide tax on oil and gas profits, similar to measures advocated by Spain. In sum, the Dublin fuel blockade has forced the government to concede significant fiscal relief, exposed deep structural vulnerabilities in Ireland’s energy and food supply chains, and sparked a contentious debate over the role of grassroots protest, social cohesion, and climate justice.