Sudan: Protesters close Kassala Airport (KSL) Sept. 24

Event

Protesters affiliated with the Beja Congress forced the closure of Kassala Airport (KSL) Sept. 24. The purpose of the action is to demand a new government that is representative of all regions of Sudan. In a related demonstration, activists in Kassala have also reportedly blocked cars and buses from traveling along the main national road leading to Port Sudan and the Red Sea Coast. The protesters are motivated in part by disputes arising from the 2020 Juba Peace Agreement.

Activists have not indicated how long the closure of KSL will last and flight disruptions are likely to continue until the airport reopens. Once KSL resumes operations, delays may still occur as authorities clear the backlog of flights.

Context

Similar protests in Port Sudan have blocked multiple areas in recent days leading to disruptions to travel and goods deliveries. As of Sept. 24, Port Sudan New International Airport (PZU) and Ports in Suakin and Port Sudan and Bashayer oil terminal remain closed. Furthermore, protest organizers threatened to initiate protests in other parts of Sudan.

The implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement has been challenged by Beja communities in the east of Sudan. Several groups withdrew their support for the signing of the eastern track of the Agreement by the United People’s Front for Liberation and Justice and the opposition Beja Congress, claiming that those two factions did not represent political forces on the ground. Additionally, they accused the transitional government of failing to meet their demands including the unification of all three eastern states (Kassala, Red Sea, and Al-Qadarif) into one region.

Advice

Reconfirm flights if planning to travel via KSL in the coming days. Do not depart for the airport before flight status has been confirmed.