Sudan: Sudanese armed forces allegedly kill five Ethiopian militias in fight in disputed Al-Fashqa border area Feb. 10

Event

Local media sources are reporting the death of five Ethiopian militias and one Sudanese soldier following a battle in the Al-Fashqa triangle, the disputed border area, Feb. 10. The incident reportedly occurred following the killing of a Sudanese military officer by Ethiopian forces from the Amhara region in the Jebel Halwa area Feb. 9. Neither Sudanese nor Ethiopian officials have acknowledged or confirmed the incidents.

Context

Since mid-December, the border tension between Sudan and Ethiopia over the Al-Afshqa Triangle has escalated further as both countries continue to send armed forces to the region. Ethiopian forces have controlled the disputed area for more than 30 years. Sudanese armed forces advanced into the area Dec. 16, 2020, after Ethiopian officials moved troops to deal with conflict in the Tigray region. In the late months of 2020, a series of violent incidents and clashes took place along the border resulting in at least a dozen fatalities suffered by both countries. The tension at the border prompted talks on redrawing the territory between the two countries; however, the first round of discussions held in Khartoum, Sudan, Dec. 22, ended without an agreement after Ethiopia demanded Sudanese forces withdraw forces before resuming talks.

Advice

Consider avoiding nonessential travel to Al-Fashqa area until the situation stabilizes. If operating in these areas, exercise extreme caution; carry proper identification at all times and heed the instructions of local security personnel. Consider alternate methods for routing shipments in the vicinity of the conflict zone. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.