Sudan Climate Change: Root causes of Darfur conflict

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: Taking time out to search Sudan Watch's archives and collate various posts from the past 20 years. They are taking hours to find and prepare for a series of posts focussing on peace and the alleviation of poverty and extreme poverty in Sudan and South Sudan.

To start, here is an excerpt from a post published July 14, 2006 entitled:

'The root causes of the Darfur conflict: A struggle over controlling an environment that can no longer support all the people who must live on it'

DARFUR IN THE EYES OF A NOBEL PEACE PRIZE WINNER

Environmentalist Wangari Maathai who won the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize stated to The Washington Post on May 12, 2005 that:

"Darfur is an example of a situation where a dire scarcity of natural resources is manipulated by politicians for their own ambition. To outsiders, the conflict is seen as tribal warfare. At its roots, though, it is a struggle over controlling an environment that can no longer support all the people who must live on it. You must not deal only with the symptoms you have to get to the root causes by promoting environmental rehablitation and empowering people to do things for themselves. What is done for the people without involving them can not be sustained."

Full story: https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2006/07/root-causes-of-darfur-conflict.html

[Ends]

Sudan and South Sudan: Peace and Climate Change

• The peace needs to be rewritten to include provisions for all tribes to address what they were fighting over to begin with. 
• Famine relief needs to be supported by all western world countries, especially those who are the largest contributors to global warming. 
• The conflict in Sudan's arid west can be traced to severe drought and population growth in the 1980s that sparked a struggle between settled farmers and pastoralists.
• In Darfur there is a massive ecological and demographic challenge exacerbated by climate change.
• There's not a chance in the world for Darfur to be peaceful unless a solution is found to water stress. 

Read more in these two posts from Sudan Watch archive 2006:

Climate Change and Darfur 

Note this gem, by an insightful blogger at dishyduds blogspot re "Climate Change and Darfur":

"I now believe that the United States has a moral obligation to alleviate the struggles in Africa. It is our responsibility because we are the largest contributors to the root of the problem. I no longer support a UN military presence. Peace cannot be forced, and military action would only act as a band-aid on a seeping infected wound. The root cause needs to be addressed and the United States needs to lead as we had a hand in creating the problem. The peace needs to be rewritten to include provisions for all tribes to address what they were fighting over to begin with. Famine relief needs to be supported by all western world countries, especially those who are the largest contributors to global warming." 

__________________________

Related report

Sudan Watch - July 17, 2006 

Darfur Peace Must Address Water Crisis: Economist - excerpt:

The conflict in Sudan's arid west is often attributed to political and ethnic grievances, Jeffrey Sachs, director of Columbia University's Earth Institute, told a climate change conference.

But he said its origins can be traced to severe drought and population growth in the 1980s that sparked a struggle between settled farmers and pastoralists.

"(In Darfur) we need to understand that, at the core, there is a massive ecological and demographic challenge exacerbated by climate change," Sachs said.

"I would say there's not a chance in the world for Darfur to be peaceful unless a solution is found to water stress." 

Full story: https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2006/07/darfur-peace-must-address-water-crisis.html

[Ends]

Sudan Ocha: SAF & RSF clashes in Nyala, South Darfur

Press Release from OCHA - OCHASudan@un.org

Flash Update No. 01 

SUDAN: SAF & RSF clashes in Nyala, South Darfur (21 August 2023)

Monday 21 August 2023 - here is a full copy:

Clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nyala Town, South Darfur State

HIGHLIGHTS

• Renewed clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nyala Town since 11 August 2023 are continuing to fuel displacement of the civilian population.

• Up to 50,000 people have fled their homes in Nyala Town due to the fighting.

• At least 60 people have been killed and 250 others injured due to the clashes.

• Staff at the Turkish Hospital have been overwhelmed by the number of injured seeking assistance.

• Trucks loaded with humanitarian supplies are unable to travel to Nyala Town due to the fighting.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

From 11 to 17 August 2023, renewed clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nyala Town, the state capital of South Darfur State, have displaced thousands of people to other areas, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM). 

Preliminary reports indicate that approximately 10,000 families – about 50,000 people –  fled their homes in the Al-Mazad, Tayba, Seka Hadeed, Al-Jabal, Neil, Karrari, Musa and Texas neighbourhoods of Nyala Town to Hai Al-Jeer, Al-Nahda, As Salam, Derwa and Kangho neighbourhoods in the town; and to the As Salam, Al Serief, Otash and Kalma displacement camps in Beliel and Nyala Shimal localities in South Darfur. 

People have also fled to Tulus, Buram, As Salam and Damso localities in South Darfur, as well as to Shia'ria locality and Ad Du’ayn Town in East Darfur and Al Fasher Town in North Darfur. 

At least 60 people have been killed and 250 others injured during the fighting, according to IOM.
 
Staff at the Turkish Hospital – which is already understaffed – are reportedly struggling to cope with the influx of wounded people, and humanitarian partners on the ground report that medical supplies are running low.
 


Trucks loaded with nutrition, health, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) supplies destined for Nyala Town have remained in Ad Du'ayn Town, the capital of East Darfur, since 14 August due to the fighting, and planned distributions by UNICEF have been postponed. 

There are concerns that continued fighting will cause the already precarious humanitarian situation in the state to deteriorate and heighten the health, nutrition, sanitation and food security needs of the vulnerable. Meanwhile, some areas could become inaccessible if roads become impassable during the ongoing rainy season.


Gathering information from Nyala Town in recent days has been challenging, as communication towers have reportedly been damaged during the fighting, and the electricity and water systems in the town are no longer functioning.
 


Background 


Nyala Town is located in Nyala Janoub locality, South Darfur State. An estimated 401,000 people live in the locality, of whom about 95,000 needed humanitarian assistance even before the conflict, according to the 2023 Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO).

Download the Flash Update here:

https://reports.unocha.org/en/country/sudan/flash-update/6pAVMP3Q8Fckx2PGKNkZA1/

View original: 

https://reports.unocha.org/en/country/sudan/flash-update/6pAVMP3Q8Fckx2PGKNkZA1/

[Ends]

UN chief: Access to clean, safe water is a human right

CLEAN WATER is not a privilege. It is a human right. Yet, 2 billion people still lack access to safe drinking water around the world. Ensuring access to clean & safe water supplies is essential for people to lead safe, productive & healthy lives.‌ -António Guterres (@antonioguterres) 4:01 PM Aug 10, 2023

Clean water is not a privilege.

It is a human right.

Yet, 2 billion people still lack access to safe drinking water around the world.

Ensuring access to clean & safe water supplies is essential for people to lead safe, productive & healthy lives.‌ #GlobalGoals pic.twitter.com/ekwN4edf0D

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) August 10, 2023

[Ends] 

Sudan: Humanitarian Update. 53 healthcare attacks, 11 dead. Aid workers attacked or detained, 18 killed

HERE is a full copy of a Press Release from OCHA

(United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs)

Dated Monday 07 August 2023

SUDAN: Humanitarian Update (7 August 2023) 

HIGHLIGHTS • More than 3 million people have been internally displaced across all of Sudan’s 18 states due to the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), as of 1 August. • About 2.2 million of all people internally displaced have fled from Khartoum State. • About 880,000 people have fled the conflict across Sudan’s borders into neighbouring countries, including Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia and South Sudan, as of 3 August. • About 20.3 million people across Sudan – over 42 per cent of the population – are now facing high levels of acute food insecurity between July and September 2023. More than 6.2 million people are just one step away from famine. • On 3 August, the first humanitarian convoy to reach East Darfur since the start of the conflict arrived in the state, after a nine-day road trip. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) facilitated the first cross-border delivery of food items by the World Food Programme (WFP) from Chad into West Darfur, one of the most food-insecure states in the country. Those supplies arrived in West Darfur on 3 August.

SITUATION OVERVIEW As the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues across the country, more people are being displaced and humanitarian needs are increasing daily. To date, about 3.9 million people have been displaced inside and outside the country due to the conflict that erupted on 15 April. More than 3 million people have been displaced internally as of 1 August, according to the International Organization for Migration Displacement Tracking Matrix (IOM DTM). People have been displaced across all 18 states, the majority of whom are in River Nile, Northern, North Darfur and White Nile states. About 71 per cent of those displaced are originally from Khartoum. The most severe clashes have taken place in the capital city of Khartoum and the state capital of West Darfur, Ag Geneina town. Additionally, ­fighting between SAF and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) has been reported in several locations across South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, resulting in civilian displacement. In addition, about 880,000 refugees, asylum seekers and returnees have crossed the border into neighbouring countries, including Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia and South Sudan as of 3 August, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Humanitarian needs across the country continue to rise. The conflict and economic crisis have driven about 20.3 million people across Sudan (over 42 per cent of the population) into high levels of acute food insecurity between July and September 2023, according to the latest report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) for Sudan. This is nearly double the number of food-insecure people compared to the last IPC analysis conducted in May 2022. Of these food-insecure people, 14 million (29 per cent of the population) are in crisis levels, IPC Phase 3. This means that people have less food to eat and are forced to adopt crisis-coping strategies, such as eating fewer meals a day. More than 6.2 million people (13 per cent of the population) are at emergency levels, IPC 4, just one step away from famine (IPC 5). They mainly reside in states with active conflict and are selling off assets to buy food.   On 30 July, Sudan's Civil Aviation Authority extended the closure of Sudanese airspace until 15 August 2023 to all air traffic, except for humanitarian aid and evacuation flights. Sudanese airspace has been closed to regular air traffic since mid-April, when the conflict between the SAF and RSF erupted. In addition, state authorities in North Kordofan imposed a curfew from 1900 to 0500 across the entire state, effective from 2 August until further notice.

STATE UPDATES The majority of people internally displaced due to the conflict are from Khartoum State. IOM estimates that 2.2 million people have fled the state capital Khartoum, with 2.16 million people going to other states, while about 38,400 people have been displaced in seven locations within the state, mainly in Bahri (Khartoum North), Jebel Awlia, Karrari, Khartoum, Sharg An Neel, Um Bada and Um Durman localities. Most of these displaced people are living with relatives, while the rest have rented accommodations. More than 420,100 people, mostly displaced from Khartoum, have taken refuge in 73 locations across six localities in Blue Nile State, mainly Ed Damazine, Ar Rusayirs, Al Kurmuk, At Tadamon, Geisan, and Wad Al Mahi localities. About 66 per cent of displaced households are seeking shelter with relatives, while the remaining 34 per cent have rented accommodations. On 9 July, an inter-agency assessment mission was carried out in Ed Damazine and Rusayris localities. The World Food Programme (WFP) plans to start a verification exercise for internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Khartoum in these two localities to provide them with food assistance. UNICEF plans to rehabilitate two water yards in Abu Hashim, Ed Damazine locality. On 25 July, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a measles outbreak in Wad Al Mahi locality, with 211 suspected cases and nine related deaths reported between 1 May and 24 July. Most of the cases were reported in Dam Town 7/ Umdarfa, while other cases were reported in Dam Town 1, 2 and 3. One suspected case each was reported in Ed Damazine and Geisan localities. A measles vaccination of 2,989 children under five years of age was carried out in Dam Town 7/ Umdarfa between 31 May and 2 June 2023. WHO and the State Ministry of Health (SMoH) are planning to vaccinate children under five years of age in Wad Al Mahi locality and catchment areas. About 297,000 people have arrived in North Darfur State after fleeing the conflict between SAF and RSF forces, according to IOM. Those displaced are taking refuge in 72 locations across Al Fasher, Al Koma, Al Lait, Al Malha, As Serief, At Tawisha, Dar As Salam, Kebkabiya, Kelemando, Kernoi, Kutum, Melit, Saraf Omra, Tawila, and Um Kadadah localities. Most (93 per cent) have been displaced from within the state, while the remaining displaced people have arrived from West Darfur, Khartoum, South Darfur and Central Darfur states. More than 43 per cent of those displaced are living with the host community, 17.5 per cent are living in IDP camps, and 6.5 per cent have taken refuge in schools or other public buildings. Northern State is hosting about 361,000 displaced people from Khartoum across 232 locations, according to IOM. All IDPs within Northern State have reportedly arrived from Khartoum. Displaced populations have been reported in Dabbah, Al Burgaig, Al Golid, Delgo, Dongola, Halfa and Merowe localities. Most of those displaced (80.96 per cent) are living with relatives, 8.7 per cent have rented accommodations, and 10.3 per cent have taken refuge in school premises or other public buildings. Many of the displaced people in Northern State are either waiting for the situation to improve in Khartoum or for their visas to Egypt to be processed, as it is close to both Argeen and Ashkeet border crossings. As people continue to move to Northern State, basic services are becoming stretched. On 27 July, the Medical Director of the Halfa Hospital indicated that remaining medicines and medical supplies in the hospital were only sufficient for one more week. Furthermore, the laboratory in Halfa Hospital lacks the supplies needed for different medical tests. Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services are also affected. Access to safe drinking water is one of the main needs for displaced people at gathering points or shelters, as are sanitation facilities. More than 15 per cent of those displaced by the conflict between the SAF and RSF have taken refuge in River Nile State, which hosts about 467,700 displaced people across 244 locations, according to IOM. All IDPs have reportedly arrived from Khartoum and have taken refuge in Hamad, Ad Damar, Al Buhaira, Al Matama, Atbara, Barbar and Shendi localities. About 78 per cent of the displaced population are living with relatives and 15 per cent have rented accommodations, while the remaining displaced people are either sheltering in schools and public buildings or out in the open in gathering sites.   West Darfur currently hosts about 119,500 displaced people in nine locations across the state, according to IOM. IDPs have been reported in Ag Geneina, Foro Baranga, Jebel Moon, Kulbus and Sirba localities. The vast majority of those displaced have reportedly come from within the state (99 per cent) while others came from Central Darfur, Khartoum and South Darfur. About 73 per cent of the displaced population have taken refuge in shelters, while 27 per cent are living with relatives. On 2 July 2023, inter-communal conflict between Arab and Masalit tribesmen spread to Murnie Town in Kereneik locality. An estimated 87,500 people (17,535 households) were reportedly displaced by this conflict within the state and into neighbouring South Darfur and West Darfur states. Due to insecurity and targeted killings, people from Ag Geneina, Habila, Beida, Forobaranga, Kreneik, Mornei and Sisi localities continue to cross the border into neighbouring Chad.   On 29 July, RSF – supported by Arab militias in more than 100 vehicles and on motorbikes – reportedly attacked Sirba Town (50 kilometres north of Ag Geneina Town), according to the head of the Government’s Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC), Adam Abdelnabi Al-Sheikh. The Commissioner reported that the entire town has been looted and burned, and an unspecified number of civilians have reportedly been killed. He also reported that about three-quarters of the town’s inhabitants have fled to Kondobei and Bir Dageeg villages in Sirba locality, while others crossed the border to Birak in neighbouring Chad. The remaining residents did not leave the town, as many were children, women and older or disabled people. After the attack on Sirba, the perpetrators went to Kondobei and Bir Dageeg villages, where they intimidated and looted residents’ homes, according to the HAC Commissioner. The de facto Wali (governor) of West Darfur formed a peace committee with representatives of the different tribes in Sirba locality to address the conflict and sign a reconciliation agreement between the tribes. More than 272,300 people have been displaced in 498 locations across White Nile State since the start of the conflict in mid-April, IOM reports. All of those displaced have reportedly arrived from Khartoum State and have taken refuge in Ad Diwaim, Aj Jabalain, Al Gitaina, As Salam/Ar Rawat, Guli, Kosti, Rabak, Tendalti and Um Rimta localities. More than half of the displaced population are living with relatives, 30 per cent are living in camp-like settlements, 9.8 per cent have rented accommodations, and the rest are staying in schools, public buildings or in open areas.

HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE AND CHALLENGES Since the start of the conflict in mid-April, humanitarians have worked to ensure the continued delivery of life-saving assistance to people in need, wherever and whenever possible. On 3 August, the first humanitarian convoy to reach East Darfur since the fighting began on 15 April arrived in the state, after a nine-day road trip. OCHA negotiated with the SAF, RSF, state governor, HAC, and community leaders in North and West Kordofan and East Darfur states for the movement of these trucks from White Nile to East Darfur. The SAF and RSF secured the roads in their areas of control, and community leaders supported the movement of the relief items between Tandulti and Um Rawaba in North Kordofan, and from El Fula in West Kordofan to the border of East Darfur state. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) also facilitated the first cross-border delivery of food items by the World Food Programme (WFP) from Chad into West Darfur, one of the most food-insecure states in the country. Those supplies arrived in West Darfur on 3 August. Insecurity, bureaucratic access impediments, and looting of humanitarian premises and warehouses across the country continue to negatively impact the delivery of assistance. At least 18 aid workers have been killed, with many others injured or detained, since the start of the conflict in mid-April. Between 15 April and 3 August 2023, there have been 53 attacks on health care, resulting in 11 deaths and 38 injuries, according to the WHO Surveillance System for Attacks on Health Care (SSA). These figures only represent attacks that WHO has been able to verify through its verification system. Attacks on health care include incidents involving hospitals, ambulances, laboratories, warehouses, health workers and patients. Some humanitarian organizations have also been forced to shutter offices or suspend operations in areas they are unable to access due to security concerns, mainly in Khartoum and the Darfur region. Any remaining resources will be used to scale up operations in accessible areas. Funding shortfalls, the limited capacity of humanitarian personnel and government counterparts on the ground, lack of fuel needed for the transportation of humanitarian supplies and staff, lack of access to money in banks, and difficulties in delivering humanitarian supplies to areas outside state capitals due to insecurity have also affected the humanitarian response. These challenges are further compounded by power outages, as well as poor internet and telephone connectivity.

CLUSTER UPDATES Food Security and Livelihoods Cluster: The Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL) Cluster partners continue to support people affected by the conflict with life-saving food and livelihood assistance. Since mid-April, FSL partners reached 2.03 million people with life-saving food assistance and 45,000 people with life-saving livelihoods assistance. FSL partners also distributed 2,800 metric tons (MT) of seeds benefitting 280,000 people. FSL partners plan to distribute a total of 8,840 MT of cereal seeds to 1 million vulnerable farmers for the planting season. The conflict is undermining the current planting season, coupled with soaring prices of fertilizer and seeds, which is impacting the food security and livelihoods situation in Sudan. The main livestock vaccination laboratory in Khartoum has been closed due to the conflict, and the resulting unavailability of livestock vaccines will also impact people’s livelihoods. Refugee Consultation Forum (RCF): Following the start of the conflict between the SAF and RSF, refugees are facing acute protection risks, including heightened risks of detention, extortion and deportation, according to Refugee Consultation Forum (RCF) partners. There are reports of refugees being stopped by armed elements or prevented from moving from one place to another. Refugees in White Nile State are facing critical gaps in services. Refugee camps were already below SPHERE[1] standards before the conflict, due to chronic funding shortages and a lack of durable solutions, and the fighting that has continued since mid-April has only made conditions worse. As people started arriving in the state from Khartoum, there has been an increase in the number of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) cases, as well as a suspected measles outbreak. About 300 South Sudanese refugee children in the state have died due to suspected measles and malnutrition, according to RCF partners. Since the start of the conflict, an estimated 187,333 refugee movements to new locations in the country have been reported. Most of these movements have been from Khartoum to White Nile State, with South Sudanese refugees accounting for more than 144,000 of the total. RCF partners have verified that 71 per cent are internal secondary movements, of which 16 per cent are women, 14 per cent are men, 34 per cent are girls, and 36 per cent are boys. Between 26 July and 1 August, RCF partners continued to respond to the needs of refugees across the country. In East Darfur, 633 South Sudanese refugees were reached with general protection awareness-raising activities. In South Kordofan and Gedaref states, 1,310 outpatient consultations were provided, and 393 Ethiopian refugees received mental health and psycho-social support (PSS) services. Case management continues to be provided for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and child protection cases, ensuring access to specialized services.  Logistics Cluster: The Logistics Cluster is currently providing storage services to partners at four locations, including in Port Sudan (Red Sea State), Wad Madani (Aj Jazirah State), Kosti (White Nile State), and Gedaref Town (Gedaref State). In the past week, the Logistics Cluster has provided storage space of up to 2,542 cubic meters for four partners at warehouses in Port Sudan, Wad Madani and Kosti. The cluster is in the process of contracting 190 square meters of temperature-controlled storage space for WFP. [1] The SPHERE standards are a set of minimum standards in humanitarian response for water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); food security and nutrition; shelter and settlement; and health assistance.

FUNDING Humanitarian partners urgently require additional resources to scale up relief efforts across Sudan. The revised Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) requires US$2.6 billion to provide life-saving multi-sectoral assistance and protection services to 18.1 million people through the end of this year. To date, the appeal is only 24.5 per cent is funded, with $628 million received as of 6 August, according to the Financial Tracking Service.

Download the Humanitarian Update here

[Ends]

#NoToWar. Safe drinking water brings Pure JOY!

Tweet by Healing Hands Int. @HHIupdates 5:37 PM · Jul 19, 2023: 

Pure JOY! Praise God for another clean water well in the Bawku West district of Ghana.

View original: https://twitter.com/HHIupdates/status/1681704730232340480

[Ends]

Sudan: Darfur rebellion started in 2003 never ended

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: When did the Darfur conflict started in 2002/3 end? It didn't end because the root causes were never resolved. See below: 'The root causes of the Darfur conflict: A struggle over controlling an environment that can no longer support all the people who must live on it'.

The report from Chad is by @paraicobrien and @Zahra_ZW of @Channel4News. The stories of individual families forced to free #darfur are terrifying. History repeats itself, more brutally than ever. https://t.co/doXrL9khPZ

— Lindsey Hilsum (@lindseyhilsum) July 11, 2023

_________________________ 

Sudan Watch - 14 July 2006
'The root causes of the Darfur conflict: A struggle over controlling an environment that can no longer support all the people who must live on it'

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2006/07/root-causes-of-darfur-conflict.html

[Ends]

Sudan: Thousands of Sudanese citizens flee to Ethiopia as security deteriorates in Blue Nile

"Thousands of Sudanese citizens flee to Ethiopia as security deteriorates in Blue Nile Region. The regional government of Blue Nile is headed by the SPLM/N faction under the command of Gen. Malik Agar. Mr. Agar was appointed as a member of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereign Council (STSC) and later appointed as the Vice President of the council following the dismissal of Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo also known as Himite."  More. 

Map illustrating the paths of the White and Blue Nile. Credit: The Guardian

Article at African Center for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS)
Published Saturday 01 July 2023 - here is a full copy:

Sudan: Thousands of Sudanese citizens flee into the neighboring Ethiopia as security deteriorates in Blue Nile Region

Photo Credit: Yusri Elshazali

(01 July 2023) - African Center for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS) would like to express concern about the deteriorating security situation in Blue Nile Region (BNR). In this release ACJPS documents a series of events that has caused thousands of Sudanese citizens to flee the region.  The reporting period is between 15 April to 30 June 2023.

The regional government of Blue Nile is headed by the SPLM/N faction under the command of Gen. Malik Agar. Mr. Agar was appointed as a member of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereign Council (STSC) and later appointed as the Vice President of the council following the dismissal of Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo also known as Himite, the RSF High command by Gen. Abdul Fatah Al-Burhan the chairperson of STSC on 19 May 2023. It is because of this connection and affiliation that the Blue Nile government sided with Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). Furthermore, the BN regional government went ahead and integrated their troops with SAF.

Although the Blue Nile government declared that they had sided with SAF, some tribal leaders like Mr. Alobid Mohamed Suleiman Abu Shotal, the clan head of Hamag under Fong group and the former member of Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) joined the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

On 26 June 2023, another faction of SPLM/N led by Gen. Abdul Aziz Adam Al-hillu attacked a SAF base located Alkurmuk. This led to approximately 4,000 people fleeing to the neighboring Ethiopia. Alkurmuk is often cut off from other parts of the region during rainy seasons and this coupled with the insecurity has scared the locals from participating in farming which is their livelihood.

Additionally, the residents of Alkurmuk had previously fled the area in 2011 during the war between the Sudanese government and SPLM/N.  Several locals returned in 2020 after the signing of the Sudanese Peace Agreement, 2020 since the 2011 war between the government and SPLM/N. The recent incidents of conflict have taken the area a thousand steps backwards.

On 26 June 2023, the SPLM/N-Abdul Aziz launched an attack targeting another SAF military base in Blue Nile Region. The attack came shortly after SPLM/N troops moved from their base in Yabos which is located approximately 80 kilometers from Alkurmuk. SPLM/N successfully managed to take over small SAF bases in Abu Alnzir Nogo while on their way to Alkurmuk. Prior to the takeover, SPLM/N received heavy resistance from SAF soldiers at the base. This incident led to the displacement of thousands of residents to the neighboring Ethiopia.

On 18 June 2023, Gen. Ahmed Alomda Badi, the Governor of Blue Nile Region issued decree no.  53/2023 authorizing the creation of a committee mandated to approve and permit residents to travel out of the region. The committee was formed and it comprises of representatives from the Sudanese Police Forces, National Security and SAF Military Intelligence. The committee operated from Al-damazin Popular Market where the buses are stationed. The governor derived his power from the Sudanese Constitutional Bill, 2019 that placed a restriction on movement which is a clear violation of citizens’ freedom of movement. It was also vivid in the decree that the Blue Nile regional government sided with SAF in the ongoing armed conflict with RSF.

Gen. Alomda, the Blue Nile governor later established another committee to follow up and investigate the incidents that happened at the Ethiopian Refugees Camp located in Wad Almahi locality in Blue Nile. Unfortunately, because of the armed conflict, the World Food Program (WFP) was unable to provide the humanitarian assistance to the camp during the month May 2023 which led to death of several female refugees. The absence of humanitarian aid led the BNR government to contemplate closing the camp but later WFP resumed its mandate. The committee then reached out to the refugees who had left and requested them to return to the camp. 1,205 refugees, mostly from Tegrai expressed their willingness to return to camp and at least 5,000 others, majority who were from Bani Shangol immediately returned. It is worth mentioning that majority of the 5,000 refugees are affiliated to Bani Shangol opposition movement which is enjoying certain privileges in Blue Nile because of their relationship and alliance with SAF. Members of the committee including Commissioner Mahjoob Elshekh, Mr. Abdul Gani Degis, the commissioner attached to BNR, Humanitarian Aid Commissioner, Mr. Ramadan Yassin and Mr. Aljaili Elshareef the refugee’s commissioner committed to respect the choices and decisions of the refugees.

On 20 May 2023, the BNR Ministry of Finance announced a salary reduction for public servants for a period of three months in order to support SAF during the ongoing armed conflict. 1,000 Sudanese Pounds was deducted from public servants earning 3,000 Sudanese Pounds and 10,000 Sudanese Pounds from regional ministers and commissioners. The announcement was made shortly before the salaries for the month of April was paid. By so doing, the regional government forcefully involved the public servants to participate in the war through financial contribution.

On 20 May 2023, Gen. Ahmed Al-Omda Badi, the Blue Nile Governor chaired a meeting attended by a number of prominent members from various professions and sectors in the region. Mr. Mirghani Makki Mirghani, the Secretary General of the regional government told SUNA News that the meeting was aimed at mobilizing support to extend to SAF.

In a separate incident, Gen. Agar made a statement that “RSF may have won in clashes but SAF will definitely win the War”.

Shortly after Gen. Agar was appointed the Vice President of the STSC, his historical opponent Mr. Alobid Mohamed Suleiman Abu Shotal, the community leader of Hamag clan of the Fong group and former leader of SPLM and SPLM/N announced that he was joining RSF. Prior to joining RSF, Mr. Abu Shotal was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General.

On 15 April 2023, SAF captured the RSF training Center in Blue Nile, arrested at least 800 RSF recruits under training and later released them. Although RSF was training the new recruits, they had a military background as they were members of Kobaje militia who called themselves the “Blue Nile Lions”. The Kobaje Militia was established in 2011 by SAF to fight against the SPLM/N in 2011. Majority of them were retired SAF soldiers from Fazogli, Bron and Hamag clans of the Fong Group and some members from Bani Shangol. Shortly after capturing and releasing the group, SAF called upon the Kobaje Militia to join them. The group was flown to Khartoum through Al-damazin airport to Wade Sideena Military air base in Omdurman. At least 700 troops were deployed in Omdurman, Karari locality, Althuras and Alwaha neighborhoods. On 26 May 2023, the group was also accused of looting properties of the residents and raping female civilians in Omdurman.  The troops later returned to Blue Nile.

On 21 June 2023, the SAF unit of BNR held a ceremony to appreciate the militia for their participation in the ongoing conflict.

 

On 20 June 2023, Gen. Ahmed Alomda the governor of BNR announced the emergency status of the region for a period of one month since the outbreak of conflict between some Fong clans and the Hawsa tribe. He also ordered for the release of prisoners.

In second week of June 2023, a short video circulated on social media platforms showing Mr. Abu Shotal wearing an RSF uniform standing in front of an RSF military vehicle in the company of five RSF soldiers while in Khartoum. On 27 June 2023, in another video clip, Mr. Abu Shotal is seen wearing an RSF uniform while at the headquarters of Central Reserve Police (CRP) in Khartoum, confirming that they (RSF) had captured the premises. In the video, Mr. Abu Shotal also stated that they are reforming the state as the marginalized groups are not enjoying the services and what he called “historical benefits”.

Background

The Blue Nile Region is located in the south-eastern part of Sudan bordering Ethiopia and South Sudan. In 2017, the SPLM/N split into two factions due to disagreements between Gen. Malik Agar and Gen. Abdul Aziz Al Hillu with each General controlling different territories. However, the political situation in the region changed drastically following the establishment of the Transitional government in 2019 and the Juba Peace Agreement, 2020 of which SPLM/N under the command of Gen. Agar is a signatory. It is for this very reason that Gen. Agar continues leading Blue Nile government.

View original: http://www.acjps.org/sudan-thousands-of-sudanese-citizens-flee-into-the-neighboring-ethiopia-as-security-deteriorates-in-blue-nile-region/

[Ends]

UN: Sudan conflict displaced more than 2 million

Report at Radio Pakistan - https://www.radio.gov.pk/

Dated Thursday 15 June 2023 - full copy:

Sudan’s raging war forces over two million from their homes

In Sudan, fighting has again intensified in and around the capital Khartoum as the governor of West Darfur has been assassinated.

Governor Khamis Abakar was abducted by gunmen after a TV interview in which he accused the paramilitary fighters of genocide and called for international intervention.

The United Nations said the conflict has so far displaced more than 2 million people and escalating attacks in Darfur could amount to crimes against humanity.

View original: https://www.radio.gov.pk/15-06-2023/sudans-raging-war-forces-over-two-million-from-their-homes

[Ends]

___________________________________

Analysis at UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

Last updated: Tuesday 13 June 2023 - excerpts:

Sudan Situation Report - Situation Overview

Conflict-related sexual violence is a major concern. Since the fighting began, civil society organizations have reported increasing cases of gender-based violence in particular sexual violence and kidnappings targeting women and girls. Due to sensitivities and fear of reprisals including against survivors and service providers, many cases have not been formally reported, with the priority focus being on the provision of emergency care, protection and support to victims/survivors. While OHCHR continued to receive reports, the numbers are expected to be much higher. 

Nearly 1.9 million people have been fled to safer locations inside and outside the country since the conflict began on 15 April. Over 1.4 million are internally displaced within Sudan, according to the International Organization for Migration’s Displacement Tracking Matrix as of 6 June. Most of the internally displaced people have taken refuge in West Darfur (19 per cent), White Nile (15 per cent), River Nile (13 per cent) and Northern states (13 per cent). They originally displaced from six states, including Khartoum (66 per cent), West Darfur (19 per cent), South Darfur (7 per cent), Central Darfur (6 per cent), North Darfur (2 per cent) and North Kordofan (0.2 per cent). Before the crisis, Sudan had already approximately 3.8 million displaced people, the majority of whom (an estimated 79 per cent) were based in Darfur and in severe need of humanitarian assistance. In addition, 460,000 people, including refugees, asylum seekers and returnees, have crossed into neighbouring countries, including Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia and South Sudan, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) as of 8 June.

View original: https://reports.unocha.org/en/country/sudan/

[Ends] 

UPDATE & POSTSCRIPT from Sudan Watch Editor: Each post at this site has tags. Instead of clicking on a tag, type a tag into the Search Sudan Watch box in top right sidebar of this site to see archived posts. For example, see water tag here below, go to the search box and type water.

China's Xi congratulates Arab League meeting

Report at China Daily

By MO JINGXI China Daily - Xinhua contributed to the story

Dated Saturday 20 May 2023; 06:47 - full copy:

Xi sends congratulations to Arab League meeting

Arab leaders pose for a family photo ahead of the Arab League summit, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, May 19, 2023. Photo/Agencies

President Xi Jinping said on Friday that China is ready to work with Arab countries to promote China-Arab friendship, implement the outcomes of the first China-Arab States Summit and build a higher level of strategic partnership.

Xi made the remarks in a congratulatory message sent to Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the Arab League, on the convening of the 32nd Arab League Summit in the Saudi port city of Jeddah.

The Arab League, committed to seeking strength through unity in the Arab world, has been actively promoting peace, stability and development in the Middle East, he said.

Referring to Saudi Arabia as an important force in the multipolar world, Xi expressed appreciation for the country's active contribution to strengthening solidarity among Arab countries and maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East.

The president noted that the China-Arab strategic partnership, which has witnessed fruitful results in recent years, has become an example of South-South cooperation and win-win cooperation.

During the first China-Arab States Summit held in Riyadh last December, the leaders agreed to build a China-Arab community with a shared future in the new era, promote regional peace and development and uphold international fairness and justice.

The summit was an epoch-making milestone in the development of China-Arab relations, Xi said.

Looking ahead, China is willing to work together with the Arab countries and continue to write a new chapter of China-Arab friendship, Xi said.

The 32nd Arab League Summit, which kicked off on Friday, will discuss regional and global issues that are crucial to the region's stability.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad attended the summit for the first time since his country was suspended from the Arab League after the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011.

The readmission of Syria to the pan-Arab body, the ongoing conflict in Sudan, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will top the agenda of the summit.

Original: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202305/20/WS6467fc83a310b6054fad4144.html

[Ends]