At least six killed in tribal clashes in Sudanese port city, doctors say

AT least six people were killed and 20 were injured in the Sudanese port city of Suakin, following tribal clashes that broke out over the removal of the neighbouring state’s governor, according to a local doctor’s committee.

Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok had on Tuesday relieved Salih Amar, the governor of Kassala State, of his duties following strong opposition to his appointment and protests by the powerful Hadandawa tribe. However, the move was rejected by Amar’s Beni Amer tribe in the Red Sea State, which includes the cities of Port Sudan and Suakin.

Members of both tribes live in both states.

Authorities imposed a curfew in Port Sudan and Suakin, some 60 kilometres away, from 12 pm until 4 am starting Wednesday and shut the roads leading to the two cities, state news agency SUNA reported.

Fighting between the Beni Amer and Hadandawa had previously broken out in 2019 and leaders from the two tribes signed a peace agreement to stem the violence. – Thomson Reuters Foundation.