The return of tribal fighting in the Blue Nile region of Sudan is causing death and destruction |

According to the UN, the inter-communal clashes that have erupted several times since July have caused at least 359 deaths, 469 injuries, more than 97,000 displacements, and extensive property damage. to him.

“The conflicts between ethnic communities are rooted in long-standing issues over land ownership and ethnic representation”, Alice Wairimu Nederitu said in a statement.

The violence continues

The violence, which began in July, was renewed in September and again last month.

It has spread from Al Rosires area to Ad Damazin and then to Wad Al Mahi.

“There is a risk of further progress as local sources reported that ethnic groups in the border area are organized in support of violence in Blue Nile,” he warned.

Hate spewed online

The Special Adviser specifically expressed concern that violence and retaliatory attacks have been fueled by hate speech and incitement to hate, exacerbated by social media and in ethnic gatherings.

Despite an agreement on a “cease of hostilities” by the affected communities on July 13, 2022, ethnic conflicts have continued.

“Repeated violence undermines efforts to reduce and strengthen communication between people”, said Ms. Neritu.

Appeals for help

The UN chief welcomed the efforts by the government of the Blue Nile region to stop the violence, restore order and set up a commission to investigate the violence in the Wad al Mahi region.

He then called on those in positions of authority to “do everything in their power” to develop anti-conflict measures and bring perpetrators of crimes to account “no matter how high or influential”.

“Only through accountability will there be a cycle of violence”, said the senior UN expert.

The Special Counsel also called on the Sudanese people, leaders, civil society, and youth to “prioritize trust and increase efforts to increase social cohesion” and on religious leaders and others to use their voices to “speak out against hatred and stand in solidarity with the affected communities in line with the Plan of Action of Fez”.

Finally, Ms. NDERitu urged technology and social media companies to use all available tools to “stop the spread of oppression and hatred” on their platforms, as emphasized in the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate speech.