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Sudan

A long-standing, nebulous struggle 

​Sudan, located in northeastern Africa, is a nation with a diverse cultural and geographic landscape. The capital city is Khartoum, situated at the confluence of the Blue Nile and White Nile rivers. The country has witnessed historical civilizations, with remnants like the pyramids of Meroe standing testament to its ancient heritage.

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Sudan has a diverse population consisting of various ethnic groups and linguistic communities. The nation has faced a complex history marked by conflicts and political changes. There has been an unfortunate frequency of mass killings and mass graves due to these conflicts. Rooted in intricate historical, political, and ethnic divisions, this enduring strife has inflicted immense human suffering.

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In recent years, Sudan has undergone significant political changes, including the ousting of longtime President Omar al-Bashir in 2019, leading to a transitional period. The conflict has been witness to a distressing loss of life, as civilians have endured continual violence and persecution. The urgent need for peace, justice, and the prevention of future atrocities looms large, emphasizing the importance of comprehending the grim realities surrounding the Sudan conflict.

Effectiveness of NASA Fire Maps in Documenting Village Burnings in Sudan

Mid May - June 2024

NASA Fire Maps provide a critical tool for monitoring and documenting fires globally, including those caused by conflicts and other human activities. This report evaluates the effectiveness of NASA Fire Maps in tracking village burnings in Sudan from mid-May to June.

Findings

1. Fires on the outskirts of El Fashir (23/05/2024)

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2. Kutum, North Darfur (25/05/2024)

  • Incident: Fires broke out after skirmishes between SAF and RSF

  • NASA Fire Maps: Fires visible on specified dates.

 

Assessment: Effective detection near El Fashir demonstrates capability in monitoring conflict-related fires.

**Screen Shot of NASA Fire Maps Al Fashir May 23-26, 2024

  • Incident: Airstrikes and subsequent fires in the village

  • NASA Fire Maps: No evidence found

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Assessment: Lack of detected fires indicates potential limitations in coverage or data updates during critical periods.

3. Khartoum (28/05/2024 - 11/06/2024)

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  • Incidents: Several attacks and airstrikes reported

  • NASA Fire Maps: Fires visible throughout Khartoum and neighboring Omdurman

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Assessment: Effective detection in urban areas underscores capabilities in monitoring high-density regions.

4. Unknown Village near Qawz Bisharah (04/06/2024)

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  • Incident: Multiple fires visible on NASA Fire Maps

  • RSF Activity: Noted nearby in preceding months

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Assessment: Successful fire detection supports monitoring in remote locations despite limited local news coverage.

5. Wad Al-Noura, Al Jazeera (05/06/2024)

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  • Incident: Widespread attacks and fires; significant casualties

  • NASA Fire Maps: Fires visible west of village post-attack (07/06/2024)

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Assessment: Delayed fire detection near the village suggests potential spatial coverage limitations.

6. Omdurman (07/06/2024)

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  • Incident: Fires and artillery attacks; central market burned

  • NASA Fire Maps: Confirmed fire on 11/06/2024

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Assessment: Delayed confirmation highlights challenges in real-time fire monitoring and a potential lack of satellite coverage.

7. Al Koma (09/06/2024)

  • Incident: Airstrike on Al-Hay Al-Sharqi Mosque; fatalities reported.

  • NASA Fire Maps: No data available.

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Assessment: Lack of available data indicates gaps in coverage for specific incidents.

Conclusion

NASA Fire Maps provides critical insights into village burnings in conflict zones, but their effectiveness varies, suggesting potential limitations in satellite coverage or days in data updates. During this assessment period, NASA Fire successfully detected multiple fires in five locations correlated to attacks in the area. In some instances, there are delays and gaps in coverage, particularly in remote areas. Improving satellite coverage and enhancing real-time updates could bolster their utility for timely response and accurate documentation of such critical incidents. This report offers a structured assessment of NASA Fire Maps' capabilities and areas for improvement in monitoring village burnings, emphasizing the need for enhanced coverage and timely data updates in conflict settings.

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