Sudan: Government declares state of emergency in Geneina late April 5 /update 1

Event

Authorities in Geneina, the administrative capital of West Darfur State, declared a state of emergency late April 5 in response to the fatal communal violence that has occurred in recent days. Violence occurred between members of the Masalit and Rizeigat communities, reportedly leaving at least 40 people dead and injuring scores more. The exact cause of the clashes is unclear, but they began April 3 when unknown assailants killed two members of the Masalit community. Violence escalated sharply April 4-5 and spread to multiple areas of the city, primarily western and southern areas. There are no confirmed reports of widespread clashes thus far April 6, though they cannot be discounted.

It is unclear what measures authorities will enact under the state of emergency, though as of late April 5, there was only a minimal security personnel presence in Geneina. Once further deployments are made, initiatives may include movement-restrictive measures, such as roadblocks and additional security checkpoints. Authorities could implement a curfew as they have done on similar occasions in the past.

Tensions are likely to persist across the state in the coming days. Further bouts of violence are possible. Additional security personnel will almost certainly remain deployed throughout the city. The clashes could impact travel on the A5 road, which leads to the shared Sudan-Chad border approximately 20 km (13 miles) west of Geneina.

Advice

Remain in a secure location and minimize movement as far as practically possible if operating in Geneina. If additional clashes break out, leave the area immediately. Heed all instructions from security personnel.