Sudan: Inter-communal conflict Ar Rahad N.Kordofan

DTM (Displacement Tracking Matrix) Sudan Flash Alert - Update Three
Dated Sunday, 10 March 2024 - here is a copy in full:

Inter-communal conflict in Ar Rahad, North Kordofan

On 8 March 2024, field teams reported inter-communal tensions between Nuba tribesmen and Arab Bagara tribesmen in Qawz Bishara, Al Dambair, Tabaldiya, and Hila Deedan villages of Ar Rahad locality, North Kordofan.

The tensions follow previously reported clashes between the two tribes within Ar Rahad locality on 30 December 2023.  

Due to tensions, approximately 476 households were reportedly displaced from affected villages. Affected households sought refuge in Sidrah village of Ar Rahad locality. 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. The latest DTM Sudan report is available here. 

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 - July 21, 2023

SAF strikes RSF in Khartoum and North Kordofan

Since the eruption of the conflict, the Sudanese air forces have targeted the RSF positions in Khartoum and have reduced the arrival of their reinforcements from reaching the capital. However, recently, they operate also in strategic North Kordofan.

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2023/07/sudanese-army-strikes-rsf-rebels-in.html

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Sudan Watch - December 28, 2023

Sudan: Clashes between Nuba and Arab Bagara tribes in Al Hujairat village of Ar Rahad, North Kordofan

On 22 December 2023, inter-communal clashes erupted between Nuba tribesmen and Arab Bagara tribesmen in Al Hujairat village of Ar Rahad locality, North Kordofan. The incident reportedly occurred following a dispute over livestock. Field teams reported that the majority of the Nuba residents in Al Hujairat village were displaced to Ad Dambaer village of the same locality, and have since returned. Field teams further reported that Arab Bagara were displaced to Um Rawaba town of Um Rawaba locality, North Kordofan and to other localities within South Kordofan. 

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2023/12/sudan-clashes-between-nuba-and-arab.html

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Sudan Watch - December 29, 2023

Sudan: Clashes in Sheikan El Obeid Town, N. Kordofan

Between 23 and 25 December 2023, armed clashes renewed between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El Obeid Town of Sheikan locality, North Kordofan. Clashes were reported in Al Gadisiya, As Salam, Al Jala’a and Al Guba neighborhoods as well as around the stadium and Haj Al Sayed Mosque. As a result of the violence, three individuals were reportedly killed, and 20 others sustained injuries. 

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2023/12/sudan-clashes-in-sheikan-el-obeid-town.html

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Relief Web OCHA - January 4, 2024

Sudan Humanitarian Update (4 January 2024)

In North Kordofan State, about 420 people were displaced on 29 December 2023 after inter-communal clashes erupted between Nuba, Al Asra, and Shanabla tribesmen in Arsh Al Yoi village in Um Rawaba locality, North Kordofan State. The cause of the violence remains unknown. IOM DTM field teams report that the displaced people sought safety and shelter in Um Rawaba town. The situation on the ground remains tense and unpredictable. On 30 December 2023, inter-communal clashes renewed between Nuba tribesmen and Arab Bagara tribesmen in Al Hujairat village of Ar Rahad locality, North Kordofan. The incident reportedly occurred following a dispute over livestock. IOM DTM field teams report that about 315 people have been displaced from Al Hujairat village. Affected households have sought refuge in the Sidrah, Karshoum and Ad Damaer villages of Ar Rahad locality.

https://reliefweb.int/report/sudan/sudan-humanitarian-update-4-january-2024-enar

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Sudan Watch - January 14, 2024

Sudan Humanitarian Update (14 January 2024)

In North Kordofan State, tensions rose on 3 January between the RSF and Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement-North Al-Hilu faction in Broka village of Ar Rahad locality, reports IOM DTM. As a result, about 430 people (86 families) were displaced and are taking refuge in Al Huda, Al Safa, and Al Shati’ neighbourhoods in Ar Rahad Town as well as in Aradeba, Tendalti, Umm Habila and As Sawani villages in Ar Rahad locality. The situation remains tense and unpredictable. There are 137,300 IDPs in North Kordofan State post-April 2023, according to IOM DTM.

On 8 January 2024, armed clashes renewed between the SAF and the RSF in El Obeid town, the capital of North Kordofan State. Clashes were reported in southern neighbourhoods of El Obeid town. While no civilian displacement was reported, the situation on the ground remains tense and unpredictable, IOM DTM reported.

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2024/01/sudan-humanitarian-update-14-january.html

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END

Sudan: UN OHCHR calls for ‘urgent action’ to end attacks on people fleeing El Geneina, West Darfur

Report at UN News Centre - news.un.org
By Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights - ohchr.org
Published Saturday 24 June 2023 - here is a full copy:

Sudan: OHCHR calls for ‘urgent action’ to end militia attacks on people fleeing El Geneina

©UNHCR/Modesta Ndubi Violence between communities in West Darfur has forced many people to flee their homes around El Geneina town.

The UN human rights office (OHCHR) on Saturday said it was gravely concerned at reports of “wanton killings” by “Arab” militia in Sudan’s West Darfur backed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), primarily targeting men from the Masalit community.

The explosion of ethnic violence in Darfur largely by nomadic “Arab” groups in alliance with the RSF who have been battling national army forces for control of the country since mid-April, has led tens of thousands to flee into neighbouring Chad.

‘Horrifying accounts’

In a statement, OHCHR Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said interviews with people fleeing the decimated city of El Geneina have revealed “horrifying accounts” of people being killed on foot by the RSF-supported militia.

“All those interviewed also spoke of seeing dead bodies scattered along the road – and the stench of decomposition”, she said. “Several people spoke off seeing dozens of bodies in an area referred to as Shukri, around 10km from the border, where one or more of the Arab militias reportedly has a base.”

She said immediate action to halt the killings was essential.

“The High Commissioner for Human Rights calls on the RSF leadership to immediately, unequivocally condemn and stop the killing of people fleeing El-Geneina, and other violence and hate speech against them on the basis of their ethnicity. Those responsible for the killings and other violence must be held accountable.”

Safe passage

She added that people fleeing El Geneina must be guaranteed safe passage and humanitarian agencies allowed access to the area so they can collect the bodies of the dead.

“Out of 16 people we have so far been able to interview, 14 testified that they witnessed summary executions and the targeting of groups of civilians on the road between El-Geneina and the border – either the shooting at close range of people ordered to lie on the ground or the opening of fire into crowds.”

The civilian exodus from the city intensified following the killing of the state governor on 14 June just hours after he accused the RSF and militias of “genocide” – raising the spectre of the hundreds of thousands killed between 2003-2005 during a Government-orchestrated campaign of violence.

Ms. Shamdasani said the testimonies recounted killings that took place on 15 and 16 June, but also during the past week.

Deadly hate speech

“We understand the killings and other violence are continuing and being accompanied by persistent hate speech against the Masalit community, including calls to kill and expel them from Sudan.”

One 37-year-old told the UN that from his group of 30 people fleeing to the Chad border, only 17 made it across, the Spokesperson recounted.

“Some were killed after coming under fire from vehicles belonging to the RSF and ‘Arab’ militia near the Chad border, while others were summarily executed, he said. Those who survived had their phones and money looted from them by armed men shouting: ‘You are slaves, you are Nuba’”.

A 22-year-old woman gave similar accounts of killings. She told how one badly wounded young man had to be left on the ground: “We had to leave him because we had only one donkey with us".

“El Geneina has become uninhabitable”, said Ms. Shamdasani with essential infrastructure destroyed and movement of humanitarian aid to the city, blocked.

“We urge the immediate establishment of a humanitarian corridor between Chad and El-Geneina, and safe passage for civilians out of areas affected by the hostilities.”

View original: https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/06/1138072

[Ends] 

Sudan UN OHCHR: El-Geneina uninhabitable, infrastructure destroyed, aid continues to be blocked

Report at Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights - ohchr.org
Published Saturday 24 June 2023 - here is a full copy:

Comment by UN Human Rights Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani, raising alarm on killings of people fleeing El Geneina in West Darfur, Sudan

Interviews with people who have fled El-Geneina, West Darfur, into Adre in Chad have revealed horrifying accounts of armed “Arab” militia backed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) killing people fleeing El Geneina on foot. Our UN Human Rights officers have heard multiple, corroborating accounts that “Arab” militia are primarily targeting male adults from the Masalit community. All those interviewed also spoke of seeing dead bodies scattered along the road – and the stench of decomposition. Several people spoke off seeing dozens of  bodies in an area referred to as Shukri, around 10km from the border, where one or more of the Arab militias reportedly has a base.

We are gravely concerned that such wanton killings are ongoing and urge immediate action to halt them. People fleeing El-Geneina must be guaranteed safe passage and humanitarian agencies allowed to access to the area to collect the remains of those killed.

Out of 16 people we have so far been able to interview, 14 testified that they witnessed  summary executions and the targeting of groups of civilians on the road between El-Geneina and the border – either the shooting at close range of people ordered to lie on the ground or the opening of fire into crowds. The testimonies recounted killings that took place on 15 and 16 June, but also in the past week. We understand the killings and other violence are continuing and being accompanied by persistent hate speech against the Masalit community, including calls to kill and expel them from Sudan.

One 37-year-old man said that from his group of 30 people fleeing to the Chad border, only 17 made it across. Some were killed after coming under fire from vehicles belonging to the RSF and “Arab” militia near the Chad border, while others were summarily executed, he said. Those who survived had their phones and money looted from them by armed men shouting: “You are slaves, you are Nuba”.

A 22-year-old woman gave similar accounts of killings. She told how one badly wounded young man had to be left on the ground, as they had no way of carrying him to safety across the border. “We had to leave him because we had only one donkey with us,” she said. It is difficult to estimate how many injured people may have been left to die in such circumstances.

Two interviewees testified separately that they, along with a group of people, were ordered by the RSF to leave El-Geneina. One said she was hit with sticks while being told to “get up and go to Chad – this is not your country.”

The High Commissioner for Human Rights calls on the RSF leadership to immediately, unequivocally condemn and stop the killing of people fleeing El-Geneina, and other violence and hate speech against them on the basis of their ethnicity. Those responsible for the killings and other violence must be held accountable.

El-Geneina has become uninhabitable. Essential infrastructure has been destroyed and movement of humanitarian aid to El-Geneina continues to be blocked. We urge the immediate establishment of a humanitarian corridor between Chad and El-Geneina, and safe passage for civilians out of areas affected by the hostilities. ENDS

For more information and media requests, please contact:

In Geneva
Ravina Shamdasani - + 41 22 917 9169 / ravina.shamdasani@un.org or
Liz Throssell + 41 22 917 9296 / elizabeth.throssell@un.org or
Jeremy Laurence +  +41 22 917 9383 / jeremy.laurence@un.org or
Marta Hurtado - + 41 22 917 9466 / marta.hurtadogomez@un.org

In Nairobi
Seif Magango - +254 788 343 897 / seif.magango@un.org

Tag and share

Twitter @UNHumanRights
Facebook unitednationshumanrights
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View original: https://www.ohchr.org/en/statements-and-speeches/2023/06/comment-un-human-rights-spokesperson-ravina-shamdasani-raising

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Sudan: Sovereign Council declares state of emergency in Port Sudan after at least 16 killed

THERE could be a lot more to this story than meets the eye.  It and the timing seems strange and complicated.  Port Sudan is Sudan’s main sea gateway, and is used by South Sudan to export oil.  External and internal forces appear to be at work, interfering to fuel the conflict and spread it to other areas.

According to Sudan's power-sharing agreement, the sovereign council declares a state of emergency following a request from the cabinet, which is not yet in existence. The state of emergency must then be approved by the legislature within 15 days, according to the agreement, although the legislature is yet to be formed.  Read more here below.

Article from Reuters.com

By Khalid Abdelaziz, Writing by Nafisa Eltahir; editing by David Evans

Dated Sunday 25 August 2019 7:59 PM 

Sudan's sovereign council declares state of emergency in Port Sudan

KHARTOUM (Reuters) - Sudan’s newly-created sovereign council formally declared a state of emergency in the city of Port Sudan on Sunday, following tribal clashes that police say have killed at least 16 people.

The acting governor and the head of the national security service for the eastern Red Sea state, of which Port Sudan is the capital, were both dismissed, said Brigadier Altahir Abuhaja, spokesman for the sovereign council.

This comes at a delicate time for Sudan, following the signing of a power-sharing agreement earlier this month.

The joint military-civilian sovereign council was sworn in last week, as was Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, who is set to form a government later this week.

Clashes between members of the Beni Amer and Nuba tribes, which have flared up in the past, were re-ignited on Wednesday and continued into Saturday morning, a police statement said.

Eyewitnesses told Reuters they heard and saw gunfire in the Port Sudan neighborhoods where both tribes live.

Port Sudan is Sudan’s main sea gateway, and is used by South Sudan to export oil.

“The relevant authorities have observed the use of firearms in the conflict for the first time, which reveals the existence of external and internal interference to fuel the conflict and spread it to other areas,” Abuhaja said.

Security services were placed on high readiness in order to quell any escalation, and an investigative committee has been formed, he added.

The police statement said reinforcements had been sent to the area.

“The transitional sovereign council emphasizes the neutrality of the military and security services ... Anyone who is shown to be biased to either side because of affiliation or support will be dealt with decisively,” Abuhaja said.

Two members of the sovereign council had visited Port Sudan on Thursday and met with tribal leaders in an attempt to bring an end to the fighting.

According to the power-sharing agreement, the sovereign council declares a state of emergency following a request from the cabinet, which is not yet in existence. The state of emergency must then be approved by the legislature within 15 days, according to the agreement, although the legislature is yet to be formed.

Reporting by Khalid Abdelaziz, Writing by Nafisa Eltahir; editing by David Evans

SOURCE: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sudan-politics-idUSKCN1VF0WO

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Article from and by Radio Dabanga dated 21 August 2019

Demonstrators block Port Sudan road after child injured by army

The incident came a day after the city’s month-long curfew was lifted, which was imposed after clashes in which dozens of people were killed.

Read full story at tweet by Eric Reeves:  https://twitter.com/sudanreeves/status/1164520909903990785