Protests in eastern Sudan’s El Butana against new factory

Dozens of angry people living in the area of El Sabag in El Butana, El Gedaref state, protested on Wednesday against the establishment of a factory.

The factory is being built nearby residential districts, east of Khor El Saleem, which is the only water source in the area. It is also located south of a large area of pastures, posing a threat to the lives of more than 10,000 camels and cattle.

Residents of ten villages in El Sabag gathered in front of El Gedaref Legislative Council, where the issue was discussed after they had submitted a memorandum, refusing the new factory until it has been proven that it will not pose any risk to their livelihoods.

Other protesters marched towards a mining camp in the area and torched it.

Mohamed Abdallah El Mardi, Speaker of El Gedaref state parliament, rejected the establishment of the factory based on the current procedures, which, he said, represent a security threat for the region and its social fabric.

He has instructed the Ministry of Planning to immediately stop the building, and start an investigation about the consequences for the population.