Sudan: Intercommunal violence in Port Sudan leads to multiple dead August 12

Event

Clashes between the Beni Amer and Nuba tribes in Port Sudan (Red Sea state) have left at least 32 people dead as of Wednesday, August 12. A further 98 people have been injured amid the violence, and security forces have arrested 85 people in connection to the clashes. Several shops and houses were also reportedly set alight in the city. Authorities have introduced a total lockdown, with residents not permitted to leave their homes until further notice. The violence reportedly prompted Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok to deploy the military to Port Sudan on August 12, in an effort to contain the violence. Prime Minister Hamdok is expected to meet with defense officials on Thursday, August 13, in order to find a solution to the conflict.

A heightened security presence and continued violence are to be expected in Port Sudan in the near term. Disruption to transportation, business, and utilities is likely while clashes continue.

Context

Tensions between the Beni Amer and Nuba groups dates back to May 2019, when violence revolving around access to water and other resources broke out in the city of Gadarif. Later clashes in Port Sudan in August 2019 killed at least 30 people, with tensions flaring up in the city sporadically over the past year. The latest bout of violence reportedly started on Sunday, August 9, when members of the Nuba tribe, who were protesting against the appointment of a new governor, entered a Beni Amer district of Port Sudan.

Advice

Those in Port Sudan are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain at home, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.