Inter-communal violence displaces more than 97,000 in Blue Nile State: UN
October 3, 2022 (NEW YORK) – Inter-communal violence in Sudan’s Blue Nile State has resulted into 359 fatalities, 469 injuries and over 97,000 displaced, a top U.N official said.
Alice Wairimu Nderitu, the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide said the clashes, which has flared up several times since July, also destroyed several properties.
The clashes between ethnic communities, which renewed in September and October, reportedly rooted in long standing issues over land ownership and ethnic representation.
Violence has since spread from the Al Rosires to Ad Damazin and Wad Al Mahi localities.
Nderitu expressed concerns over the risks of further escalation amid reports that ethnic groups across the border were being mobilised in support of the violence in the Blue Nile.
She further noted that the violence and reprisal attacks have been fuelled by hate speech and incitement to hatred, exacerbated through social media and in ethnic gatherings.
Ethnic clashes, she said, has continued despite a “cessation of hostilities” agreement signed by the affected communities on July 13, 2022.
“The repeated violence undermines efforts at mitigation and strengthening inter-communal dialogue,” stressed Nderitu.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser called on all those in positions of authority to do their utmost to institute conflict prevention mechanisms and bring perpetrators of violations to account no matter how high or influential.
She welcomed efforts by the Government of the Blue Nile Region to stop the violence, restore order and establish a committee to investigate the violence in Wad al Mahi locality
“Only through ensuring accountability will the cycle of violence be broken,” said Nderitu.
Calls were also made to the people of Sudan, leaders, civil society and young people alike to prioritise trust-building and increase efforts to enhance social cohesion.
Last month, at least 151 people were killed and 86 injured in fighting in Blue Nile.
Despite a peace deal signed in 2020 with some of Sudan’s rebel groups in the Darfur region and in Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan, tribal fighting has steadily increased.
(ST)