Mutiny among Sudan Armed Forces in Blue Nile

Dozens of soldiers from the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and paramilitaries of the Popular Defence Forces have reportedly abandoned their posts in Blue Nile state, military sources said.

A military officer from the Fourth Infantry Division in the Blue Nile capital Ed Damazin, who preferred to withhold his name for security reasons, told Radio Tamazuj that more than two companies of soldiers from Blue Nile have refused to take part in military operations for more than two weeks. The companies were stationed at Makja, Disa, and Dondero.

The officer said the soldiers refused to take up arms against possible relatives in the state in battles against the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N).

An army officer in the area of El Silik reported ‘grumbling’ among the ranks of the Popular Defence Forces militia about non-payment of their wages. The paramilitaries support the SAF in their fight against the rebel combatants in Blue Nile state.

The officer reported that the militiamen refuse to participate in any new military operation in Blue Nile in protest against the non-payment of their salaries after the battles of Malkin and Kalgo.

“These forces have participated in many battles and operations. The government promised them some payment, but after they carried out the operations, they did not receive any return. So they have decided not to obey any further instructions,” he said.