Sudan: Death Toll Rises to 220 as Violence Continues

Image copyright: Ashraf Shazly/AFP [via France 24]

The Facts

  • At least 220 people, including children, were killed in two days of some of the worst fighting in recent months regarding land disputes in Sudan's southern Blue Nile state.

  • The fighting has been centered around the Wad al-Mahi area near Roseires, about 500 km south of the capital, Khartoum. The clashes sparked demonstrations on Thursday in the Blue Nile state capital Damazin, which have continued to grow since then, with some protesters calling for the state governor to be fired.


The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

The current violence in the Sudanese south is a product of seditious acts by rival tribes. The government and military will have to work quickly to disarm these tribal militias.

Establishment-critical narrative

The conflict in the Blue Nile is a product of government incompetence, political division, and xenophobia. The Sudanese military, which is currently ruling the country, has continually fanned the flames of ethnic conflict in the region for its own interests.


Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO