Sudanese police killed in clashes at Dinder nature reserve

April 27 2026 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese police announced on Monday the death of seven of its personnel, including an officer with the rank of captain, following clashes with armed groups within the Dinder Biosphere Reserve in Sennar State.

Dinder National Park is one of the largest and most significant nature reserves in Africa. It spans vast areas across Sennar and Blue Nile states, housing a rich ecological diversity of animals and plants that makes it a region of great environmental and economic importance.

The police mourned the seven members in an official statement, noting they were killed during a confrontation with a group of armed pastoralists within the borders of the Dinder National Park in southeastern Sudan.

The statement explained that the incident occurred while the targeted force was conducting routine field monitoring duties within the scope of its reserve duties.

For years, the reserve has witnessed an increase in unregulated activities, including grazing within its borders, traditional mining, and poaching operations. These activities have led to rising tensions between authorities and local groups.

The Sudanese police maintain a significant security presence within the reserve, particularly through the Wildlife Police, which conducts frequent patrols to combat these activities.

However, the park’s vast expanse and the difficulty of maintaining full control, along with the country’s economic and security conditions, contribute to the complexity of the situation.