SUDAN INSIGHT ALERT: Global Voices - In eastern Sudan, a bloody intercommunal conflict raises national security concerns
Khattab Ahmed provides context on the conflict in eastern Sudan, noting the clashes between the Nuba and Beni Amir tribes. The latter’s “origins span western Eritrea and eastern Sudan” and “to some… are considered foreigners from Eritrea, who were granted citizenship in Sudan under the former Omar al-Bashir government.”
Ahmed further notes that a tribal peace agreement signed in March has not been held, and that Sudanese social media users are blaming “hidden hands playing with Sudanese security.”
Ahmed references Eritrea’s reliance on Sudan as a source of goods, “usually through smuggling and, therefore, have a stake in the region’s peace and security,” whereas the United Arab Emirates “has had its eye on Sudan's main port, Port Sudan.”
Ahmed then notes rising public anger at Prime Minister Hamdok amid the violence, with his “popularity dwindling daily due to Sudan’s fragile security and economic situation.”