Fighting between Hausa and Berta tribespeople broke out in Sudan’s Blue Nile state last week, leaving dozens dead. The clashes, centered on the localities of Gaissan, Roseiris and Wad Al-Mahi, apparently began in a land dispute. Tensions were elevated following calls to recognize a chiefdom for the Hausa people, who originate from Nigeria but have been settling lands in the region for generations. Authorities have imposed a curfew and mobilized the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to the state, ostensibly to restore calm. But the Forces for Freedom & Changes (FFC) opposition coalition accused the military of instigating the conflict by encouraging Hausa demands to establish a chiefdom in territory traditionally inhabited by the Hamaj, a clan of the Berta people. Before a 2020 peace deal, many Hausa served in paramilitary forces to help the regime fight the SPLM-N rebels. “The…FFC hold the coup authority fully responsible for the successive renewal of these events in most parts of the country,” the opposition group said in a statement. (Sudan Tribune)
Map: Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection
Sudan clashes leave scores dead
Renewed fighting in Sudan’s southern Blue Nile state has left at least 151 people dead, according to Reuters, though other reports put the death toll lower. The fighting involves the Hausa and Hamaj groups. (TNH)