Keep the Spotlight on Sudan: Death Toll Rises in Port Sudan as Fighting Continues

The Darfur Women Action Group (DWAG) is gravely concerned about the ongoing and escalation of violence and the utter failure of the Sudanese government to protect the civilians of Port Sudan. On August 10th, as reported by Radio Dabanga, clashes between eastern Sudanese Beni Amer and the Nuba tribes resulted in four deaths and about 35 injuries. The violence continued for four consecutive days in Port Sudan despite government curfews and the arrival of military reinforcements. By August 14th, the death toll rose to a total of 34 deaths with 123 others injured. 

This attack is only one of the many violent attacks that have broken out in the past year, but the government has yet to establish peace in the area and end the violence. On the following day, 13 more people were killed and many more sustained injuries. The Doctors Central Committee holds the state government and security committee “fully responsible for the protection of citizens” and that they are “watching what is happening in the state without moving.” 

The Minister of Interior Affairs stated that these attacks were related to previous clashes between the Nuba and Beni Amer tribesmen, which had been resolved in a reconciliation agreement. On August 14th, more than 100 Rapid Support Force (RSF) vehicles arrived in Port Sudan, arresting 85 people involved in violent incidents. 

Since the beginning of August, members of the Port Sudan Resistance Committee have held protests in front of the Council of Ministers in Khartoum, denouncing the state’s negligence of the continued violence in Port Sudan. Recent incidents have left about 150 people killed or injured. DWAG strongly urges the Sudanese government to work towards safety and security for civilians in Port Sudan and to put an end to the violence and racism. Investigations into the tribal fighting must be put on public review to hold accountability for those responsible. Temporary solutions can not stop the endless violence.

The interim government must take effective measures to ensure accountability and a permanent end to these clashes among its citizens. In the event that the interim is unable to resolve, they must resort to the International community to have a neutral investigation and deploy a UN peacekeeping force on the grounds to protect civilian lives. An independent peacekeeping force must be established to ensure the safety of civilians and protect when the local militia can not. The people in Port Sudan have dealt with violence and unrest for too long, and effective action is needed to bring the suffering of the innocent men, women, and children to an end.