The American Sudan Conflict Observatory for the third week of June

The American Sudan Conflict Observatory revealed extensive destruction and looting of civilian buildings in the city of Genaina, West Darfur state.

The Observatorys report for the third week of June highlighted that an area of at least 0.7 square kilometers was damaged or burned down by fire. It also noted the deliberate targeting of schools in Genaina and the presence of numerous bodies scattered in the citys streets.

By analyzing satellite images over the city of Mourne, West Darfur, the report uncovered that at least 2 square kilometers were affected by fire between June 27 and 28, 2023. This area represents nearly 20% of the city, in comparison to Genaina.

The report mentioned that the Darfur region is experiencing increased isolation due to a significant decline in movement through known transportation routes. The route between El Fasher and Nyala has decreased by 78%, while the route between Nyala and El Obeid has decreased by 75%.

The report documented that 398 buildings in Khartoum have been damaged or destroyed since the beginning of the conflict until June 29. It stated that the destruction continues on a daily basis, particularly in the northwestern and southern parts of Khartoum.

It also revealed an active displacement movement to the cities of Port Sudan and Kassala by those who managed to escape the conflict in Khartoum. However, there has been a 51% decrease in the displacement rate in the last week of June compared to previous weeks.

The Sudan Conflict Observatory is a joint project managed by Esri, a company specializing in Geographic Information System (GIS) software, geospatial information, and mapping since 1969, and Planet Labs, which has previously been used in Syria and Myanmar to assess the extent and locations of destruction using artificial intelligence and other sources. The project also involves the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab.