SPLA: In control of several Blue Nile areas

State authorities dismiss claim, say city of Damazin is free of insurgents

The Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) gained control of the area of Geissan, Kolink and Al Bao in Blue Nile state on Sunday, Mustafa Al Fin, a member of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement -North (SPLM-N) told Radio Dabanga.However, major general Yahya Mohamed Khair, military governor of the Blue Nile state, announced the resumption of schools in the state.

Yahya Mohamed Khair, who is in charge of stabilizing the security situation after the latest clashes between the SPLA and the government forces, was quoted by the state news agency as claiming that the situation returned to normal within 72 hours. “The city of Damazin became free of any insurgency,” the major general said.

However Mustafa Al Fin, who spoke to Radio Dabanga from Al Bao denied the claim made by the state.

Refugees fleeing Blue Nile

The exodus of civilians from the Blue Nile continued on Tuesday. The refugees are suffering from extreme humanitarian conditions in the lack of food and shelter.

Young children, elderly people and women who have fled expressed fear of the future and called for quick relief for the affected.

Opposition groups: stop war

Leaders of all opposition parties and organizations in Sudan demanded an immediate cessation of war and all military operations in Blue Nile and South Kordofan to facilitate relief operations.

He demanded that the governmental and non-governmental forces should mobilize their efforts in South Kordofan and Blue Nile.

The leaders of opposition forces also appealed to freeze all laws restricting freedom and demanded recognition of the SPLM-N as a political party. This reaction came in the wake of arrest of many members of the SPLM-N in different parts of the country.

They said that the Sudanese people must have full right to engage in political and civil action and demanded an independent investigation into atrocities committed in the Blue Nile and South Kordofan.