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Department of Safety and SecuritySUDANSECURITY FOR HUMANITARIAN ACTION STAYING AND DELIVERING: A QUARTERLY UPDATE FROM UNDSS SUDAN NEWSLETTER Issue No. 02 | Quarter II 2026
The second quarter of 2026 comes to an end rather rapidly — a demanding quarter, but one that leaves behind achievements to celebrate, challenges to debrief on, and lessons to carry into the periods ahead. Sudan continues to present profound challenges that test our resilience and adaptability. Notwithstanding, for every planned or sudden task, the team's unwavering commitment to our core mandate has been a source of pride and joy to witness. This quarter, UNDSS provided essential strategic security risk management guidance and support for the phased expansion and re-establishment of country offices in Khartoum, as well as for the continuity of operations in Darfur. We successfully supported several field missions and activities in Kordofan and Darfur and expanded our operational reach by deploying Community Liaison Assistants across six priority areas (supported by the Sudan Humanitarian Fund). We have strengthened our relationships with NGO implementing partners of UN Agencies under the Saving Lives Together (SLT) framework and expanded vital security training opportunities to both UN and SLT partners. Last but not least, we bid farewell to a staunch advocate for the Sudan Operation, Under-Secretary-General Gilles Michaud, who leaves office after exceptionally leading the Department’s global workforce for seven years. The Sudan team extends sincere appreciation to USG Michaud for his service and particular focus on Sudan.Foreword by the chief security adviser Kwadwo Opong-Marfo, D.Sc."Time flies over us, but leaves its shadow behind." — Nathaniel Hawthorne 01 Q2 2026
02 facilitating leadership visit to blue nileOn 21–22 April 2026, UNDSS facilitated and directly supported a high-level visit of the Humanitarian Coordinator to the Blue Nile State to assess the needs of internally displaced persons following the recent conflict in the Al Kurmuk area, and coordinate response plans with partners on the ground. Blue Nile State has taken on growing operational significance as humanitarian actors respond to shifting conflict dynamics and increasing displacement across parts of Sudan. Locations such as Damazine continue to play an important role in humanitarian operations, requiring close coordination and a strong understanding of local conditions to support effective programme delivery. Security liaison for all aspects of the field mission was provided by UNDSS Field Security Associates Salah Ahmed and Ahmed Essa Abdelrahman in Blue Nile State. The visit included meetings with partners and field-based personnel, as well as discussions on operational challenges, humanitarian access, and the evolving local context. Through advance planning, security coordination, convoy management, and on-the-ground support, UNDSS helped ensure the safe and effective implementation of the visit. Q2 2026
Strengthening safety through partnership in atbara On 22 April 2026, the Chief Security Adviser for Sudan Kwadwo Opong- Marfo, with the support of the Field Security Associate in Atbara Nasir Khalil Sidig, conducted his first engagement mission to the River Nile State. As River Nile State continues to play an increasingly important role as a hub for humanitarian and development activities in Sudan, having received large numbers of displaced people and humanitarian actors since the onset of the conflict, a clear understanding of the local context has become more important than ever. 03 During his visit, the CSA brought together UN personnel and NGO implementing partners of the UN, under the Saving Lives Together (SLT) framework, for a joint security awareness and training session in Atbara. Participants enhanced their understanding of risk mitigation measures and security practices, improving their ability to make informed decisions while operating in the field. The mission conducted field visits and meetings with local authorities in Atbara and Ad Damar, creating valuable opportunities for direct engagement with the people and institutions that create an enabling operating environment for United Nations operations. Q 2 2026
On 13 May 2026, humanitarian partners together with UNDSS gathered in Ad Damar for a coordination meeting led by the HAC Commissioner of River Nile State, bringing together UN agencies and NGO implementing partners ahead of planned in-kind assistance distributions. The River Nile State continues to host large numbers of displaced people and serves as an important operational hub for humanitarian activities, making effective coordination essential to ensuring assistance reaches those most in need. The discussion focused on aligning operational plans, timelines, and responsibilities to support a smooth and efficient rollout of assistance. By bringing all key stakeholders to the same table, the meeting helped establish a shared understanding of the objectives and reduced the risk of overlapping efforts or delivery gaps. Participants also used the opportunity to openly discuss challenges affecting field operations, including access constraints, security concerns, and logistical bottlenecks. The meeting reinforced the importance of partnership and collective accountability and laid the groundwork for timely and principled delivery of assistance to vulnerable communities. 04 Keeping Aid on Track in River Nile State Q2 2026
In Sudan, security risk management strategies transcend the often visible procedural and physical security to the benign approaches ingrained in community and stakeholder relationships. With support from the Sudan Humanitarian Fund, the United Nations Department of Safety and Security has established a community acceptance- driven security capability in eight priority locations across the Blue Nile, Kordofan and Darfur states. Embedded in communities to build the relationships that conventional security systems alone cannot provide, the Community Liaison Assistants (CLAs) help strengthen the incorporation of the all-important but intangible risk management strategy, community acceptance, into assessments and risk decisions. UNDSS Area Security Adviser covering the southeast Sudan, Ruslan Baiysh- Tegin, describes the approach simply: “Community engagement is not separate from security. It helps us understand risks, anticipate changes and make tailored recommendations to inform decision-making." In the Blue Nile region, CLA Faisal knows that trust has to be built: “When you arrive in any place, you cannot start with systems. You start with people,” he says. “You sit with the existing humanitarian partners, community leaders, and all stakeholders, you listen first, and work to build trust. Only after that can anything else work.” Through sustained engagement with communities, Faisal tracks local dynamics, identifies emerging areas of concern and ensures local dynamics inform security assessments in a way whereby structured approaches alone will fall short. CLAs Ahmed and Reem in the Kordofans operate in a complex and sensitive environment. They are both confident that “you have to work through the community. If they accept you, they will talk to you, they will guide you. Without that, you do not really know what is happening.” For CLA Nusiba, communication itself is part of the risk environment. “Every word matters,” she says. “If one message is misunderstood, you can lose trust very quickly.” 05 The First Line of Security: UNDSS and Community Acceptance in Sudan Q2 2026
06These relationships provide insight that conventional systems cannot consistently deliver. Where formal reporting is delayed, or incomplete, local networks offer early indications of emerging risks before they become crises. These inputs shape security analysis and operational decision-making. It also redefines what security support means. It is no longer limited to protective measures around personnel and assets. It requires an understanding of how communities perceive the United Nations presence, where trust exists, and how that trust determines access and security. In Sudan, the first line of UN security is often human. It depends on knowing whom to speak to, whom to listen to, and how to read a rapidly changing environment. Through this initiative, UNDSS is strengthening those connections across eight locations, recognizing that community acceptance is not an addition to security risk management — it is a core part of it. Q2 2026
07 who supports the supporters? Working in humanitarian settings can take a significant toll on those delivering assistance. From 19-24 May 2026, UNDSS and partners delivered a series of in-person psychosocial support and staff well-being initiatives designed to strengthen resilience, promote self-care, and enhance support to affected communities. In Khartoum, UNDSS Field Stress Counsellor Dr. Moustafa Shaheen delivered the first in- person Psychological First Aid training for UN personnel and NGO partners, in cooperation with UNHCR Staff Counsellor, Dr. Reem Tafran. Dr. Moustafa extended the activities to Dongola and Ad Dabbah and conducted specialized workshops on trauma-informed practice and emotional intelligence, exploring practical approaches to supporting internally displaced populations while working effectively under pressure. Interactive role-play exercises and realistic scenarios allowed participants to practise responding to challenging situations, helping translate theory into practical skills that can be applied in the field. Beyond the training itself, the sessions provided a valuable opportunity for staff to connect, share experiences, and strengthen resilience in a demanding operational environment.compassion in action Q2 2026
From 14-16 June 2026, the UNDSS Red Sea State and the Khartoum teams, led by the Area Security Adviser for Red Sea, Rudolph Atallah, provided comprehensive security and operational support for the visit of the European Union Heads of Mission delegation to Port Sudan and Khartoum. Working in close coordination with Host Government security authorities, UN agencies, protocol counterparts, and humanitarian partners, the teams in Port Sudan and Khartoum ensured the safe and seamless implementation of a packed programme of high-level meetings and engagements. Behind the scenes, UNDSS coordinated airport reception, conducted advance security assessments of routes, venues, accommodation, and project sites, and provided real- time movement monitoring, contingency planning, and operational support throughout the visit. The team also facilitated secure visits to humanitarian and development projects, enabling delegation members to engage directly with implementing partners and beneficiaries to gain first-hand insight into ongoing activities. For the visiting delegation, the visit proceeded as planned. For UNDSS, the plan was the strength of presence and coordination. Through careful preparation, close coordination, and constant monitoring, the Red Sea State and Khartoum teams helped ensure that every movement, meeting, and site visit took place safely and efficiently. 08 harnessing the strength of the department’s presence and coordination Q2 2026
Following the successful relaunch of SSAFE training in March 2026, which generated strong interest among UN agencies and humanitarian partners, UNDSS delivered additional sessions during the second quarter. Combining classroom learning with realistic, scenario-based exercises, the training provided participants with practical tools to manage security challenges in complex environments. All scenarios were tailored to the Sudan context, allowing participants to apply key principles and decision-making skills to situations they are already facing or are likely to encounter in the field. 09 Enhancing security capacity Q2 2026 SSAFE training in port sudan
Despite the challenging operational environment in Darfur, UNDSS has continued to support the UNSMS through field-based capacity-building initiatives to reinforce emergency preparedness and life-saving response capabilities. In June 2026, UNDSS successfully conducted the first Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) 2.1 training in Ag Geneina, West Darfur since the outbreak of the conflict. The activity marked the resumption of UNDSS trauma-response training in one of Sudan's most complex and high-risk operational environments and demonstrated the Department's continued commitment to ensuring that personnel deployed in conflict-affected areas possess the practical skills needed to respond effectively to life-threatening emergencies. Since the outbreak of the conflict in Sudan, the security situation across Darfur has remained highly volatile and unpredictable. Humanitarian actors continue to operate in a setting characterized by active hostilities, rapidly changing front lines, damaged infrastructure, and significant restrictions on movement. Access to affected communities often requires extensive security coordination, continuous risk assessments, and flexible operational planning. In recent months, the security environment has evolved further with the increasing use of unmanned aerial systems (drones) and air strike operations in several areas of Darfur. These threats have introduced new operational challenges, as aerial attacks can occur with limited warning and may impact not only military objects but also surrounding civilian areas. Combined with the persistent risks of armed violence, indirect fire, criminality, unexploded ordnances (UXO), damaged medical infrastructure, and limited access to advanced trauma care, the operating environment demands a higher level of preparedness from humanitarian personnel. For staff working in remote locations, the first minutes following a serious injury are often the most critical. Delays in medical evacuation caused by insecurity, road conditions, communication constraints, or restricted access can significantly increase the importance of immediate life-saving interventions delivered by trained personnel already on the scene. 10 Enhancing security capacity EXTENDING TRAINING TO STAFF ON MISSION IN DARFUR Q2 2026
The IFAK 2.1 course focused on providing participants with practical skills to manage traumatic injuries during the critical period before professional medical assistance becomes available. Participants received hands-on instruction in casualty assessment, catastrophic bleeding control, airway management, chest injury management, hypothermia prevention, and casualty evacuation considerations. The training incorporated realistic scenario-based exercises designed to reflect the operational realities personnel may encounter while working in conflict-affected areas. These practical simulations strengthened participants' confidence in applying life-saving interventions under pressure, while reinforcing teamwork and decision-making in high- stress situations. Throughout the training, participants highlighted the relevance of the course to the current operating environment in Darfur. One participant remarked, "This life-saving training should be mandatory in Darfur due to the risks we face when on mission." The mission also underscored the strong collaboration between UNDSS, UN agencies, and humanitarian partners in promoting a coordinated approach to safety and security. As humanitarian access continues to expand into challenging operational areas across Sudan, strengthening the capacity of personnel to manage medical emergencies remains an essential component of enabling safe and effective programme delivery. 11 Enhancing security capacity EXTENDING TRAINING TO STAFF ON MISSION IN DARFUR Q2 2026
12 The Department of Safety and Security, through its Emergency Response Team at Headquarters, has maintained a Standby Partnership with the Swedish Civil Defence and Resilience Agency (Myndigheten för civilt försvar – MCF). In late 2025, when a Level 1 Emergency was declared for Sudan to respond to the scale-up in Tawila, the partnership was triggered to support medical first responder training and kits. After weeks of planning and coordination, between 14-19 June 2026, MCF’s Dr. Anas Allous rolled out a series of Individual First Aid Kit training to the Sudan cross-border team in Farchana (Chad) and also donated dozens of first aid kits and training material to support staff training and medical first response in Darfur. Upon receiving the items, the Chief Security Adviser for Sudan expressed gratitude to MCF for the training and items and lauded the Standby Partnership with MCF under the guardianship of the Emergency Response Team at the Headquarters, Ms. Martina Dragovic. He also expressed his appreciation to the Security Adviser in Chad, Mr. Alioune Dieng, and his team for the consistent support provided to the Sudan team, and in particular, for the success of the MCF training and donation in Farchana. MCF donates first responder kits for the training of UN and NGO IMPLEMENTING partner personnel in Sudan safety through preparedness Q2 2026 Items included: CPR training manikins Training AEDs (defibrillators) Airway manikins Pocket resuscitation masks Chest seals Wound simulators Combat application tourniquets Emergency trauma bandages SAM splints Thermal blankets Individual First Aid Kit bags ...
13 mission accepted New environment, new colleagues, new challenges. This quarter, UNDSS is happy to welcome two surge colleagues, Samer Bazerbashi and Ahlem Douzi, who joined the team to support operations in Darfur, bringing fresh eyes and seasoned experience. For Samer, the deployment marks his first assignment outside his home duty station in Aleppo, Syria; Ahlem welcomed an opportunity to build on her previous international experience in support of humanitarian efforts, last working in the Lake Chad region. We asked them about their expectations for the deployment, their motivations for coming to Sudan, and what they hope to take away from the experience. “I'm excited to start my mission as a Surge Security Officer here in Sudan. The operating environment presents real challenges, and, as any UNDSS colleague will tell you, that's basically our job description.” Q2 2026 My first impressions have been an overwhelming sense of respect for the people of Sudan and their warmth and hospitality, alongside a deep sense of responsibility to contribute to the UN's collective efforts to alleviate the suffering of the population. Looking forward to leveraging my experience to support our humanitarian partners in enabling safe and effective programme delivery, and, hopefully, to make a positive impact by the end of the mission.”
14 get to know us With more than 30 years of experience across military, international security, and UNDSS operations, Ruslan has held a wide range of field and headquarters roles. His career has taken him from Sudan to India, Kenya, the Pacific, and Central Asia, bringing extensive operational and leadership experience to the team as Area Security Adviser for Southeast Sudan. ruslan baiysh tegin FSCO, asa southeast sudan Q 2 2026 Kamalaldeen Ibrahim Musa FSA, Khartoum With more than 18 years of experience supporting security operations in conflict-affected areas across Sudan, Kamal has worked in Darfur, Blue Nile, Kordofan, and Khartoum. Passionate about enabling UN programmes and humanitarian activities, Kamal brings extensive expertise in security risk management and operational support. Reem KomaN CLA, Abu Jubayhah A Community Liaison Assistant with UNDSS in South Kordofan, Reem supports humanitarian access and community engagement. She is passionate about promoting women's meaningful participation, integrating gender perspectives into security and humanitarian work, and ensuring that the voices of women and vulnerable groups are heard.
Samer Bazerbashi Security coordination officer, tawila 15 get to know us Mohamed supports humanitarian operations through security coordination in Abassiya, South Kordofan, and values teamwork in creating a safe environment for colleagues and communities. He has previously worked in different parts of Sudan supporting humanitarian operations. Mohamed enjoys meeting new communities, working as part of the UNDSS team, and helping create a safer world. Mohamed Elgabbani CLA, abassiya Q2 2026 Samer joined UNDSS in 2014 and has supported security operations in Syria, including crisis management, emergency relocations, training, and field operations in Aleppo. Before moving into the security field, he worked in telecommunications and holds a Master's degree in International Relations, Strategy and Security Studies. In Sudan he is supporting UNDSS operations in Tawila. Faisal Abdalaziz Hassan Adam CLA, Damazine With a background spanning community engagement, protection, programme management, and UN operations, Faisal has held a range of roles supporting humanitarian and peacebuilding efforts in Sudan. Holding degrees in International Relations and English Literature, Faisal brings extensive experience from field-based and programme-focused positions across the humanitarian sector.
16 get to know us Originally from Tunisia, Ahlem brings a wealth of military, security, and UN experience, having worked in peacekeeping missions in Mali and the DRC before joining UNDSS in Chad. A certified SSAFE and IFAK trainer, she was also recognized with the UN Trailblazer Award in 2024. She has come on surge to support UNDSS activities in Ag Geneina. Ahlem Douzi security coordination officer, ag geneina Q2 2026 RASHIDA ABDELAZIZ Mohammed Eltoum fsa, port sudan Rashida has joined UNDSS in 2024 as a Field Security Associate based in Port Sudan. She primarily supports data analysis for staff lists and manages the UN ID card service. Before joining UNDSS, Rashida worked as a Field Security Associate with UNAMID and UNITAMS. She enjoys being part of the UNDSS team and looks forward to contributing to the efforts supporting the safety and security of UN personnel. Khidir Hamid Admin/Finance, Port Sudan With 18 years of experience first with Bank of Khartoum, UNAMID and then UNDSS in Sudan in administrative and financial roles, Khidir has been the driving force behind all operations. Khidir’s extensive experience is coupled with a Master’s of Business Administration degree and professional certification.
17 get to know us With more than 25 years of experience spanning police and UN security services, Abdelbagi is an integral part of the UNDSS Port Sudan team. His deep understanding of the local context, strong liaison network, and expertise as a certified first responder trainer have made him an invaluable contributor to security coordination, staff safety, and operational support across the country. Abdelbagi Eltahir FSA, Port Sudan Q2 2026 Munir Sabit Driver, Khartoum Having worked with UNMIS, UNAMID, and UNITAMS before joining UNDSS, Munir has long-standing experience operating in challenging environments, while ensuring safety of passengers. He is skilled in operating various types of vehicles, including armoured vehicles. Munir has been a particular asset providing support to the recent high- risk missions, including to Dilling and Al Obeid.
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