Sudan: Displacement and recent clashes in North Darfur, Apr 01 - Apr 17 2024 & Apr 14 - Apr 16 2024

DTM Sudan Focused Flash Alert North Darfur, Apr 01 2024 - Apr 17 2024:

DISPLACEMENT AND RECENT CLASHES IN NORTH DARFUR 

Since 01 April 2024, DTM Sudan monitored several clashes in multiple locations across Al Fasher locality in North Darfur state.

Clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) renewed across Al Fasher Town of Al Fasher locality, Kebkabiya Town of Kebkabiya locality, and Kutum Town of Kutum locality on 01 April 2024, displacing an estimated 500 individuals (100  households).

In addition, DTM monitored attacks on Korma, Jonjona and Sarafaya villages linked to tribal conflict between 02 and 04 April 2024. The attacks led to the displacement of approximately 3,815 individuals (763 households) across various locations in Al Fasher locality.

Field teams observed additional clashes due to tribal conflict on 13 April 2024 in Birka, Sarafaya, Hillat Khamis, Jakho I, and Jartouna villages across Al Fasher locality, North Darfur. The clashes reportedly displaced approximately 34,350 individuals (6,870 households). Affected households were primarily displaced to other locations within Al Fasher locality. Field teams noted that an estimated 9,500 individuals (1,900 households) displaced from Jakho I village were originally displaced from Tawila locality in mid-June 2023 and therefore experienced secondary displacement due to the recent clashes.

Finally, field teams observed additional clashes between SAF and RSF in Al Fasher town from 14 April to 16 April 2024. The clashes reportedly displaced approximately 1,950 individuals (390 households) across Al Fasher locality. Households were displaced primarily from northern and eastern neighbourhoods of Al Fasher Town.

An estimated total of 40,615 individuals (approximately 8,123 households) were displaced in Al Fasher locality, North Darfur between 1 and 16 April 2024 due to the clashes described above, as noted in corresponding DTM Early Warning Flash alerts.

Map 1: Location of Reported Clashes and Resulting Displacement, 01 April -18 April 2024

BROADER CONTEXT 

While North Darfur remained an epicenter of clashes since the outbreak of conflict on 15 April 2023, field teams observed a sharp escalation of clashes and displacement beginning in January 2024. Since 01 January 2024, DTM released 17 Early Warning Flash Alerts focused on Al Fasher locality, representing over 60 per cent of the total flash alerts pertaining to Al Fasher locality since the eruption of conflict on 15 April 2023.

In January 2024, clashes were observed across Al Fasher, Kutum, and Melit localities. Field teams reported four incidents in Al Fasher and one in Um Kadadah in February 2024, and three incidents in Al Fasher and two incidents across Al Fasher, Kebkabiya, and Kutum localities during March 2024. Notably, the majority (69%) of DTM Early Warning Flash Alerts pertaining to conflict and displacement in North Darfur state focused on Al Fasher locality specifically.

DISPLACEMENT DATA IN NORTH DARFUR 

As of 17 April 2024, North Darfur state hosted an estimated 570,183 IDPs. over one third (approximately 36%, or 204,438 IDPs) were reportedly hosted in Al Fasher locality.

In addition, approximately 606,673 IDPs originated from North Darfur state, representing nine per cent of the total population of IDPs displaced in Sudan since 15 April 2023. Approximately 87 per cent of IDPs in North Darfur were displaced from locations within North Darfur. An estimated 235,147 IDPs originated from Al Fasher locality specifically.

Source:  DTM Sudan Focused Flash Alert: Conflict in North Darfur State  

23 April 2024 Update One

Map 2: Reported Displacement in North Darfur state, as of 17 April 2024

Full story: 

DTM Sudan Focused Flash Alert North Darfur, Apr 01 2024 - Apr 17 2024

https://dtm.iom.int/reports/dtm-sudan-focused-flash-alert-north-darfur

END

Sudan: SAF & RSF clashes in Al Fasher, North Darfur

DTM (Displacement Tracking Matrix) Sudan Flash Alert - Update Fifteen
Dated Sunday, 25 February 2024 - here is a copy in full:

Conflict in Al Fasher (Al Fasher Town), North Darfur

On 23 and 24 February 2024, clashes renewed between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Al Fasher Town of Al Fasher locality, North Darfur. 

Field teams reported that the event led to widespread displacement from eastern to southern neighbourhoods within Al Fasher Town. 

Estimates on the number of displaced individuals are yet to be confirmed. The situation remains tense and unpredictable. 

DTM will continue to monitor the developments closely and will provide further information on displacement and population mobility across Sudan, on a weekly basis, via its Weekly Displacement Snapshot. 

Disclaimer: Due to the current circumstances, the DTM network is relying on remote interviews with key informants and further verification is not possible at this time.

*DTM Sudan Flash Alerts provide an initial estimation of affected population figures gathered from field reports. All information is therefore pending verification through DTM’s Emergency Event Tracking (EET) and/or registration activities and is not to be used as official figures.

Source: VIEW IN BROWSER

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Related

Sudan Watch - February 24, 2024

Sudan: Clashes erupted between the RSF and armed tribal groups in Um Kadadah locality, North Darfur

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2024/02/sudan-clashes-erupted-between-rsf-and.html

___

Sudan Watch - February 22, 2024

Sudan: SIM card frenzy in Port Sudan amid blackouts. Map of Internet availability and connectivity in Sudan

Map showing Internet availability and network connection in Sudan 20 Feb 2024

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2024/02/sudan-sim-card-frenzy-in-port-sudan.html

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Sudan Watch - February 19, 2024

Sudan: Conflict in Al Fasher capital of N. Darfur State

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2024/02/sudan-conflict-in-al-fasher-town-north.html

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Sudan Watch - February 16, 2024

Situation Update Feb 2024: 10 months into conflict between SAF & RSF, war in Sudan is taking a new turn

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2024/02/situation-update-feb-2024-10-months.html

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Sudan Watch - February 14, 2024

Darfur tribal leaders agree with Sudanese Sheikh Musa Hilal to lead initiative to stop war in Sudan

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2024/02/darfur-tribal-leaders-agree-with.html

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Sudan Watch - February 08, 2024

Sudan hit by internet blackout as conflict continues

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2024/02/sudan-hit-by-internet-blackout-as.html

___

END

Chadian president meets Darfur Governor Minnawi, N. Darfur Governor, Sudan's Finance Minister Ibrahim

Report from Darfur 24

Published Saturday 08 July 2023, 4:31 pm - excerpt:

Chadian president meets leaders of Sudan’s Armed struggle movements

Ndjamena, July 8 (Darfur 24) - Governor of Darfur region, Mini Arko Minnawi and governor of North Darfur state Nimir Mohamed Abdelrahman arrived Friday in the Chadian capital Ndjamena, at a request of Chadian president Mohamed Idriss Deby.

Another delegation of Sudanese politicians, including Dr. Alhadi Idriss, Altahir Hajar and Gibril Ibrahim had earlier arrived in Ndjamena..

North Darfur governor, Nimir Abdulrahman told Darfur 24 that their visit to Ndjamena had nothing to do with the political and civil agitation of some Sudanese political forces.

Nimir explained that the visit comes within a framework of invitation extended to the leaders of the armed struggle movements by the Chadian president, Mohamed Idriss Deby. [...]

View original: https://www.darfur24.com/en/2023/07/08/chadian-president-meets-leaders-of-sudans-armed-struggle-movements/

[Ends]

Sudan's PM Hamdok orders security for "Martyrs' Day" protests and political detainees' release

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: The news on Sudan, South Sudan and hellish war in Ethiopia is fast moving. I have scoured through several hundred news reports and tweets to find and select the ones that help document the terrible crises unfolding. Regarding the "Martyrs' Day" protests in various areas of Sudan yesterday a report by Radio Dabanga.org based in the Netherlands says "the police and security forces used excessive violence to disperse thousands of demonstrators in various cities. The forces used tear gas and sound bombs, which resulted in injuries among the demonstrators. Several protestors were shot". Read more here: https://www.dabangasudan.org/en/all-news/article/police-uses-excessive-violence-to-disperse-nov-25-marches-of-the-millions

November 25 Marches of the Millions - Khartoum North (Bahri) (social media)/Radio Dabanga.org

Here is a copy of a report at and by www.republicworld.com

Written By Aparna Shandilya (With inputs from agencies)

Last Updated: Thursday, 25 November 2021 07:19 IST

Sudan's PM Abdalla Hamdok Orders Security For 'Martyrs' Day' Protests & Detainees' Release

Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok ordered security for Thursday's protests and the immediate start of the procedure for releasing detainees, according to a statement from the prime minister's office. 

Hamdok issued the order during a meeting with Sudanese police leaders, during which they reviewed a detailed plan for securing the demonstrations and emphasised peaceful expression as a legitimate right under the principles of the Sudanese Revolution, which deposed former President Omar al Bashir in 2019, ANI reported.

According to the announcement, the procedure for releasing detainees applies throughout the country. Protests for a civilian state are anticipated in Sudan's capital, Khartoum, and other places on Thursday [25 Nov]. 

Hamdok has initiated an investigation into infractions committed against demonstrators since the military power grab on 25 October. According to a statement from his office, the PM held a meeting with a group from the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC), the largest civilian coalition opposing military authority, on Tuesday evening [23 Nov]. On Sunday [21 Nov], the FFC had stated that it does not recognise any political accord with military officials.

Sudan's Political Crisis

Sudan has been in a political crisis since General Commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan proclaimed a state of emergency and dissolved the Sovereign Council and government on 25 October. On 21 November, however, after worldwide condemnation and large protests, Al-Burhan and then-removed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok negotiated a political agreement that included Hamdok's reappointment as Prime Minister. Following the coup, al-Burhan abolished major institutions and fired the leaders of state media, public corporations, and banks, as well as a number of provincial officials. Defections were also announced by ambassadors who were dismissed of their responsibilities.

12 out of the 17 ministers from Sudan's caucus asking for a totally civilian administration resigned on Monday [22 Nov], opposing Hamdok's strategy of dealing with the military. Despite the accord that resulted in the release of a few politicians, dozens of others remain imprisoned. Protest organisers have accused Hamdok of "treason" and promised to keep the pressure on the military-civilian authority overseeing Sudan's transition. Activists have resorted to social media to call for "Martyrs' Day" protests on Thursday [25 Nov] to honour the 41 demonstrators slain in the post-coup persecution.

Image: AP [Sudanese Prime Minister Hamdok]

READ | Sudan: Opposition rejects accord between Abdalla Hamdok and Army, calls it 'treasonous'

READ | AU chairperson welcomes political deal in Sudan; calls for regular and free elections

READ | Signing of deal to reinstate deposed Sudan PM

READ | Sudan Doctors' committee report reveals 41 people killed by Army since October coup

READ | EXPLAINER: What does PM's reinstatement mean for Sudan?

View original: https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/africa/sudans-pm-abdalla-hamdok-orders-security-for-martyrs-day-protests-and-detainees-release.html

Sudan: PM Hamdok meets members of FFC

• Here is a full copy of a report at and by SUNA-news.net
• Dated Wednesday 24 November 2021

• Dr Hamdouk Meets Members of FFC Central Leadership Council

• Khartoum Nov. 24 2021 (SUNA) - Prime Minister Dr Abdalla Hamdouk met on Tuesday [Nov 23] evening eight members of the Central Leadership Council of the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC).
• The meeting discussed the political crisis in the country and the political agreement between the Prime Minister and the President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council.
• The FFC delegation announced its agreement to the political agreement and expressed support to the Prime Minister.
• The Prime Minister and the FFC leaders stressed necessity of expediting release of all detainees in the capital and regions, protection of peaceful processions, guaranteeing freedom of expression and peaceful demonstration and organization across the country, in addition to importance of reaching  consensus over political charter  between the all active political forces in the Sudanese society to secure success of the remaining civilian democratic transitional period.
• The delegation affirmed importance of putting a roadmap for implementation of the political agreement and stop and review decisions of appointment made during the past period and reinstatement of all who have been dismissed from their jobs.
• The attendees from members of the FFC Central Leadership Council expressed appreciation and support for the Prime Minister and for his patience with the events of the past period as keenness from the Prime Minister on restoring the path of the civil democratic transition.
• The meeting discussed role of the all political forces in explaining and implementing the political agreement.
• For his part, the Prime Minister thanked the members of the FFC Central Leadership Council for the communication and support made by a number of the council's leaders in helping reach a political agreement.
• Dr. Hamdok presented a briefing to the delegation about the priorities of the coming period in the importance of the success of the political agreement to preserve the gains of the past period in the economy, peace and public freedoms; with  importance of completing the process by holding elections and completion of  rest of the democratic transformation processes. ab/ab
• View original: https://www.suna-news.net/read?id=726778

VIDEO CNN EXCLUSIVE: Newly-freed Sudan PM Hamdok made deal to avoid bloodshed and a civil war

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: In this excellent exclusive video interview with CNN, the newly-freed Sudan Prime Minister Hamdok explains why he compromised in a deal with Sudan's military. 

The video interview can be viewed in the original (see link below) of the following report. The interviewer asked good questions and received good answers from Mr Hamdok. 

It’s heartwarming to see that he looks strong, fit and well, proving that some news reports saying he looked 'frail' and 'haggard' are not true at all. Naturally, he must have been under a great deal of strain and exhausted from working non-stop ever since his shocking arrest with his wife at their home on Oct 25.

Ever since Mr Hamdok has been at home, there has been a stream of high level international visitors meeting with him in person throughout the time he was under house arrest with guards outside his home. 

Fortunately, he has a wonderful wife. They were arrested together and taken to the home of the military coup leader, Gen. Burhan, after which they were taken home and received high level contacts. More later. 

CNN EXCLUSIVE VIDEO INTERVIEW REPORT

• By Becky Anderson, Eoin McSweeney, Zeena Saifi and Noon Salih, CNN
• Yassir Abdullah and Eyad Kourdi contributed to this report
• Updated 1710 GMT (0110 HKT) Tuesday November 23, 2021
• Newly-freed Sudanese PM tells CNN why he took military deal
• (CNN) Sudan's newly reinstated prime minister told CNN on Tuesday [Nov 23] that he compromised in a deal with the country's military in order to "avoid bloodshed" and a civil war.
• Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and other ministers were detained during a military coup last month that saw the country's power-sharing government dissolved; more than 40 people have since been killed in protests.
• But the country's military chief, General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, reinstated Hamdok on Sunday as part of a deal between the military and civilian leadership in the country,
• In an interview with CNN on Tuesday [Nov 23], Hamdok said he "regretted the bloodshed" that had followed the October 25 coup; he said the agreement had been signed in order to "avoid further killing."
• "This a not a personal interest for me," he said. "There is a motto that says you will die for country. I took the right decision."
• 
  
• Under the deal agreed by Hamdok and Al-Burhan, Hamdok again becomes leader of the transitional government, which was first established after strongman President Omar al-Bashir was ousted in 2019.
• 
  
• The Council of Ministers, which was dissolved on October 25, will be restored and the civilian and military leadership will share power. The constitution will be amended to outline the partnership between civilians and the military in the transitional government.
• 
  
• But the agreement also includes as yet unspecified restructuring, according to Mudawi Ibrahim, a prominent official in the National Forces Initiative (NFI) which helped mediate the talks, and it has been met with resistance in Sudan.
• 
  
• Police fired tear gas at a large group of protesters near the presidential palace in Khartoum on Sunday, according to eyewitnesses on the ground.
• 
  
• The deal was rejected by Sudan's Forces of Freedom and Change coalition (FCC), which insisted there was "no negotiation, no partnership, nor legitimacy for the coup plotters."
• 
  
• On Monday, Ibrahim told CNN that the agreement was "very humiliating for the Prime Minister," adding that it had been accepted "for the sake of the country."
• 
  
• "There are so many people dying on the streets ... so the Prime Minister had to take this step and accept the humiliation," he said.
• But Hamdok, who had been held under house arrest until Sunday, refuted the idea he had been humiliated and insisted he had made the right choice.
• 
  
• He called the agreement with the military imperfect and deficient, but said the decision to sign it was taken in order to avoid a catastrophe.
• 
  
• "There is a perfect agreement and there is a workable agreement. If you wait for a perfect agreement, you will be waiting too long and it will be too late," he said.
• 
  
• He said he was confident in the military and pledged to work with them to "establish a fair roadmap" for the future of Sudan.
• 
  
• The deal, signed on live television, calls for the release of all political prisoners arrested by security forces following the coup.
• Only nine prisoners out of 31 have been released so far, Hamdok said; he called for the immediate release of those still in detention.
• 
  
• "This is the number one agenda item," he added. "I will not rest until all of them are released."
• 
  
• Yassir Abdullah and Eyad Kourdi contributed to this report.
• View original and the video interview here: https://edition.cnn.com/2021/11/23/africa/sudan-abdalla-hamdok-interview-ctw-intl/index.html

INTERVIEW PM Hamdok: FFC in Sudan will remain effective - Release of all political detainees asap

Here is a full copy of a report at Al Arabiya English

Ismaeel Naar, Al Arabiya English

Published: Tuesday 23 November, 2021: 07:54 PM GST

Updated: Tuesday 23 November, 2021: 10:04 PM GST

Political deal based on sparing of Sudanese blood: PM Hamdok tells Al Arabiya

The sparing of Sudanese blood and the preservation of gains made in the recent past are the bases of the political agreement reached with the military, Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok told Al Arabiya during a sit-down interview.

“The political agreement was made based on sparing the blood of the Sudanese and preserving the gains made. There is no alternative to dialogue in Sudan and we are working towards reaching the elections,” Hamdok told Al Arabiya on Tuesday.

“The elections will open the way for the consolidation of democracy in Sudan,” he added.

The Sudanese military reached a deal with Hamdok on Sunday [Nov 21] that reinstated him as the head of a new technocratic Cabinet ahead of eventual elections. But the agreement has angered Sudan’s pro-democracy movement, which accuses Hamdok of allowing himself to serve as a fig leaf for continued military rule.

“I personally don't think about my popularity, but about the interest of the Sudanese people. The Forces for Freedom and Change in Sudan will remain effective,” he said.

Hamdok also said the current priority of the government is for the release all political detainees at the soonest available time.

“We support the release of all political detainees, without exception,” Hamdok said.

View original: https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2021/11/23/Political-deal-based-on-sparing-of-Sudanese-blood-PM-Hamdok-tells-Al-Arabiya

INTERVIEW: Sudan's newly reinstated PM Hamdok expects a new govt to be formed within two weeks

Here is a copy of a full report at english.alarabiya.net

Written by Tuqa Khalid, Al Arabiya English

Published: Tuesday 23 November, 2021: 11:53 PM GST

Updated: Wednesday 24 November, 2021: 12:28 AM GST

Political deal based on sparing of Sudanese blood: PM Hamdok tells Al Arabiya

Photo: Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok sits down with Al Arabiya

Sudan's newly reinstated Prime Minister Abadalla Hamdok told Al Arabiya on Tuesday that he expects a new government to be formed within two weeks.

“I will make every effort to accomplish [forming a new government] within a time period of no more than two weeks,” he said in an interview with Al Arabiya.

Hamdok signed on Sunday a deal with General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan that saw the PM reinstated and allowed him to form an independent cabinet of technocrats, until an election can be held.

This comes almost a month after Burhan led a military coup in late October.

Hamdok added that he asked the military to end the violence against protesters. Sudanese medics reported that security forces killed at least 40 civilians in violent crackdowns.

“One of the first issues discussed… is a halt to using violence against protesters. It is a demand I will not cede at all,” Hamdok said.

After the deal that saw Hamdok reinstated was signed, at least five political prisoners were released.

“This is the most important issue on the PM’s agenda. It is the first issue I discussed with the military, releasing the prisoners… We will work towards that, and they will be released soon,” he told Al Arabiya.

He added that out of those released, should they be accused of committing a crime, they will be referred to the judiciary and, in some cases, rearrested.

View original: https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2021/11/24/Sudan-s-PM-Hamdok-says-he-expects-new-government-to-be-formed-within-two-weeks