Title: Tensions flare between Sudanese army and tribal militia in Port Sudan
Introduction :
Clashes recently broke out in Port Sudan, a coastal city in eastern Sudan, between the Sudanese army and a tribal militia led by Sheba Darar, leader of the local Beja tribe. This region has until now been relatively spared from the conflict which has been raging in the country for several months. This violence highlights the instability reigning in the country and endangers the stability of the only city that still has an operational airport and the UN logistics center.
The course of the clashes:
According to eyewitnesses, the clashes began in central Port Sudan with exchanges of fire between the army and the tribal militia led by Sheba Darar. Fortunately, the situation quickly calmed down thanks to the intervention of army soldiers, who deployed troops to the area and removed the checkpoints set up by the militias.
Geopolitical issues:
General Abdel Fattah al-Burhane leads the Sudanese army in this conflict which pits it against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. Since the end of August, Port Sudan has become the base of operations for General Burhane, who has made several trips abroad with the aim of strengthening his diplomatic position and engaging in negotiations to end the conflict with the RSF . The recent violence in Port Sudan highlights the fragility of this attempt at a peaceful resolution.
The impact on the population:
Clashes between the army and tribal militia have already caused human losses and endanger the population of Port Sudan. This renewed violence in the region is all the more worrying as it hosts the country’s only still operational airport and is home to the UN logistics center. The city’s residents, already affected by the conflict that has raged in the country for several months, fear seeing their situation worsen further.
Conclusion :
Recent tensions in Port Sudan highlight the ongoing instability in Sudan and jeopardize the stability of this strategic city. While the Sudanese army attempts to negotiate a peaceful resolution with the Rapid Support Forces, clashes between the army and the tribal militia show that the situation remains volatile and that peace is still far from assured. It is essential that political and diplomatic efforts are made to achieve a peaceful resolution of the conflict and guarantee the security of the population of Port Sudan.