Inter-communal violence in Sudan affects more than 47000 people

In early August, there were intercommunal clashes in Port Sudan, Red Sea State, originally between members of the Beni-Amer and Nuba tribes.  According to news reports, 34 or 35 people killed, and over 100 injured.  During more than four days of fighting, houses and cars were burnt down in several districts, especially in the eastern part of the city.  Although the numbers are still unconfirmed, displacements of hundreds of people have been reported, with people moving to neighboring communities and schools in the southern part of the city.  The Red Sea’s Government declared a 17.00-06.00 curfew on 10 August and complete round-the-clock curfew of the city on 11 August, and the Transitional Government of Sudan deployed paramilitary Rapid Support Forces to the area.  The total lock down was partially lifted on 17 August, as the security situation improved, but remains severe, and affects humanitarian response capacity.

A multi-sectoral joint assessment mission took place in Port Sudan and surrounding villages between 24 and 26 August.  The displaced population is in need of WASH services, as shelter and protection services.  Some health facilities are not fully operational and access is limited to people from particular tribes.

Clashes took place in Kassala, Kassala State on 25 August between members of the Beni-Amer and Beja tribes.  A round-the-clock curfew was imposed by the acting governor of Kassala on 25 August for three days.  Despite this, on 26 August a protest involving over 6,000 people calling for the newly-appointed civilian governor (Wali), Saleh Ammer, to assume his role, took place in the city.  It was followed by smaller clashes, and large agricultural project infrastructure were destroyed in Reifi Kassala.  On 27 August, a protest against the appointment of the Governor was organised, and has been followed by further conflict.  The Grand Market was damaged and shops destroyed.  At least six people have been killed between 25 and 27 August, although media outlets suggest around 20 deaths, and at least 50 have been injured.

Groups have protested in Port Sudan and other villages in the Red Sea State, either to show solidarity with the group supporting the new Wali or to show solidarity with those opposing the new Wali of Kassala State. On 27 August, this has reportedly left an unconfirmed number of people dead in Sinkat locality, at the outskirts of Kassala town. The Khartoum-Port Sudan road has reportedly been blocked, hampering access to the port. Humanitarian actors have been advised by the Government’s Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) to be vigilant and minimize movements. Local sources reported that most of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that were recently deployed in Port Sudan to curb the inter-communal violence that erupted on 8 August, moved to Kassala Town on 26 August in anticipation of the demonstrations called in the city.

There is a history of tension and conflict between the Beja and Beni-Amer tribes which make up a significant proportion of the population within the Red Sea and Kassala States.  It is likely that further clashes will occur in the area, and that inter-communal conflict could escalate and evolve significantly, involving additional tribes.  In this case, it is expected that there will be further injury and loss of life; damage and destruction to property, infrastructure and assets; and displacement.  In Red Sea, there are concerns that the incidents might affect operations on Sudan’s only port, negatively impacting the country’s supply chain for essential commodities and humanitarian supplies.