Sudan: Authorities impose state of emergency Dec. 24 in Beleil locality, South Darfur State, following fatal communal violence /update 1

Event

Authorities imposed a state of emergency in Beliel locality, South Darfur State, Dec. 24 following fatal communal violence between rival communities Dec. 21-23. Troops were deployed to the area following the clashes. The violence, which broke out over a sheep theft incident, has left at least eleven people dead, dozens wounded and seven villages burned and looted.

Further clashes and related violence could occur. Officials could enact additional security measures, including security force deployments, curfews, and checkpoints. Business and road travel disruptions are likely near any further incidents of violence or due to security force responses.

Context

Creeping desertification brought on by climate change continues to drive intense competition for access to scarce resources such as grazing areas and drinking water. Given the easy availability of small arms, even small localized incidents regularly escalate into clashes, which may in turn fuel rounds of reprisal attacks between various communities, sometimes leading to heavy casualty tolls.

Advice

Defer nonessential travel to Beleil locality, South Darfur, and exercise heightened vigilance if operating the state. Heed all instructions from security personnel. Maintain contact with your diplomatic mission.