The Curse of Gold… Ariab Ignites the East 

Recently, security tensions amongst tribal groups in eastern Sudan seemed to be escalating, following the death of (20 individuals), in a series of developments that threaten to plunge the region into the quagmire of serious incidents and widespread tribal clashes. 

On the ground, fears are mounting -rather rapidly- of a subsequent effect on security in eastern Sudan following intensified military movements coupled with rapid tribal mobilization campaigns in the Red Sea state, around the premises of Ariab gold mine to be specific. The aforementioned reality takes place amidst escalating tensions between a number of tribal groups and forces affiliated with Armed Struggle Movements. 

According to informed political sources, armed forces belonging to the Beja Congress have deployed urgent reinforcements to the afore referenced area in an effort to secure the mine as well as the surrounding regions, following violent armed clashes that erupted between miners affiliated with the Joint Force and local residents. These clashes, according to the sources, claimed the lives of more than 20 people from both sides. 

Furthermore, the sources confirmed that the region is currently experiencing a state of unprecedented tension, in light of the widespread deployment of armed groups and reciprocal military movements. In consequence, such a state of events increases the likelihood of wider clashes that could potentially escalate into an open civil conflict, threatening the fragile stability in the eastern part of the country. 

Observers, however, deem the situation concerning, fearing that continued escalation will further complicate the security and political landscape in the region, particularly given the growing conflicts over resources and mining sites, in addition to the increasing influence of armed groups in vital areas. 

For their part, political as well as civil society parties warned of the danger posed by the potential for the conflict to escalate into widespread tribal clashes that could extend to encompass all eastern states, which prompted them calling for urgent intervention to contain the tensions, halt the military buildup, and prioritize political and community-based solutions in an effort to avert a new security catastrophe in Sudan.