Sudan: Sheik blames Blue Nile state governor for violence

A Native Administration leader in Blue Nile state, Abu Shotal, has accused state Governor Ahmed El Omda Badi, of ‘communicating and colluding’ with Hausa leaders in preparation for last week’s violence.

During a press conference, Abu Shotal said that native administration leaders had tried to avoid provocations and that he had personally communicated with Hausa leaders.

He added that those defending themselves from the Hausa attack were initially not armed and had broken into the police storehouse to seize weapons to defend themselves.

The Blue Nile governor made similar accusations in an interview with Radio Dabanga, accusing the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement-North faction headed by Abdelaziz El Hilu (SPLM-N El Hilu) of being behind the violence.

Mobile clinics

The Ministry of Health in Sennar, in coordination with other health partners, has organised mobile clinics in the camps of the displaced people affected by the recent violence in Blue Nile. Dr Abu Hajj, Director of Therapeutic Medicine in Sennar State, confirmed that four mobile clinics are currently working in the camps.

People in the Blue Nile state capital of Ed Damazin have demanded the authorities set up mechanisms to monitor the market prices. They said that there is an urgent need for such mechanisms to control soaring prices of consumer goods and deter traders from taking advantage of the situation.

At least 79 people died Blue Nile state last week following intercommunal clashes. Forces were deployed in Ed Damazin and El Roseires, in an effort to impose a curfew and quell the fighting between ethnic groups, that reportedly was triggered by disputes over land and opposing rebel movements.