Fear Grows in Damazin as Clashes Intensify in Blue Nile

Residents of Damazin, the capital of Sudan's Blue Nile Region, are growing increasingly fearful as military operations escalate and reports emerge of advances by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and their ally, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North. The situation has led to disruptions in essential services, including electricity and water supplies, and the closure of grain mills. Many residents are struggling to decide whether to leave or stay due to a lack of reliable information about developments on the ground.

The security situation in Damazin is described as unstable by some residents, with some fleeing the city while others remain uncertain about what lies ahead. Samer Ali, a resident, expressed concerns about the situation, citing the lack of reliable information and the uncertainty it brings. In contrast, Mohamed al-Tayyib, another resident, described the city as calm and secure, urging residents to disregard what he called rumours and misinformation. He expressed confidence that the Sudanese Armed Forces would regain control of areas they had lost.

Despite al-Tayyib's assurances, other residents, such as Fathia al-Toum, described the security situation as dire, with large numbers of people fleeing the city. Those who could afford transport have managed to leave, while low-income families remain behind. The growing anxiety comes amid military confrontations in several parts of Blue Nile, particularly Kurmuk, Geissan and Wad al-Mahi localities, as well as battlefield developments in Sali, Bakori and the Magja area of Bau locality.

Recent drone strikes on residential neighbourhoods in Damazin, which reportedly caused deaths and injuries, have intensified fears of an expanding conflict and increased risks to civilians. The damage to the city's electricity substation and subsequent power outages have compounded concerns about the impact of military operations on civilian infrastructure and essential services.

In response to mounting public anxiety, the Blue Nile Regional Government issued a statement urging residents not to be swayed by rumours or information from unidentified sources. The government said it was closely monitoring military and security developments in coordination with the relevant authorities. However, the assurances have raised questions about the availability of reliable information and the measures being taken to protect civilians and maintain stability in the city.

Civil society activist Ayman Abdallah told Radio Tamazuj that residents are living in fear that fighting could reach Damazin. He urged the authorities to provide accurate and reliable information about the security situation across the region and take adequate measures to protect civilians. Abdallah also stressed the need to ensure residents are sufficiently informed to prepare for possible developments, including further displacement.

The situation in Damazin remains uncertain, with residents caught between conflicting assessments of the security situation. While some residents, like al-Tayyib, express confidence in the Sudanese Armed Forces, others, like Ali and al-Toum, describe the situation as unstable and dire. The Blue Nile Regional Government's assurances have done little to alleviate concerns, and residents remain uncertain about what the future holds.

Key points

• Residents of Damazin are increasingly fearful amid escalating military operations and reports of advances by the Rapid Support Forces and their ally.
• The security situation in Damazin is described as unstable by some residents, with disruptions to essential services and the closure of grain mills.
• The Blue Nile Regional Government has urged residents not to be swayed by rumours or information from unidentified sources, but concerns remain about the availability of reliable information.