Blue Nile: Outbreak of war between the government of Sudan troops and the SPLM

In the early hours of the 2nd of September there was an outbreak of fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) which involved all of those gathered in the Joint Integrated Units (JIU) forces in Blue Nile. This included all the major cities including Damazin, Kurmuk, Dindro, Olo, Wadwlmahi and Um Darfa. Both sides used heavy artillery in the towns endangering the civilian populations. The number of those who have been killed or injured are not yet confirmed but the civilian population has been forced to flee the cities of Damazin and Roseries.

Some of those who have fled from Damazin have reached Singa in Sennar State in very bad condition. Demazin is on the Western bank of the Blue Nile. Those who have fled Roseries are said to be heading towards the Ethiopian border and Dindir in Sennar State. There are currently no NGOs that are in place to deliver humanitarian aid to the displaced persons.

Recommendations:

SUDO (UK) calls on all parties to the conflict to respect international human rights and humanitarian law. All those involved should refrain from seeking to use tribal identity to exacerbate the conflict and should observe the signed agreements.

SUDO (UK) is calling for humanitarian assistance to be provided to those displaced by the conflict.

SUDO(UK) is also calling on all of Sudanese civil society to engage and advocate for peace and reconciliation and peaceful coexistence in Blue Nile.

For more information visit www.sudouk.org