Sudanese security forces launched a campaign in Gedaref State targeting both foreigners and citizens, especially Ethiopians, arresting at least 16 Ethiopian refugees, according to local sources.
The crackdown coincides with a wave of xenophobia and paranoia over alleged foreign support for the renegade paramilitary, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which turned on the Sudanese army in April last year.
The Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) said in a statement on Monday that the operation aimed to enhance “security and stability” through document checks, inspections, and other security measures:
“The Military Intelligence Division of the 2nd Infantry Division, along with joint forces from other security agencies and special operations teams, organized a preventive security campaign to enhance security and stability. The campaign targeted several locations, markets, and neighborhoods this morning [May 20th] to control foreign presence, review national identity documents, inspect suspected properties, and conduct other security measures. This resulted in the arrest of several suspects who were referred to the relevant authorities.”
The statement added that foreigners and citizens should be sure to carry their identity documents with them. Local sources told Sudan War Monitor that security forces detained at least 16 Ethiopian nationals, including women and children, in Gedaref. Most were refugees lacking documentation.
“The people who were arrested from the whole of the Gedaref state is unknown, but we can confirm that 16 people including two women and four children who came here in 2020 alone were arrested here in Gedaref town,” one source said. “Most of us do not have documentation and came here as refugees.
Both sides have accused the other of employing Ethiopian mercenaries in the conflict, though evidence of this is lacking.
Local sources also reported the detention of about 23 Sudanese nationals. Though the exact reasons remain unclear, the sources said these detentions may be based on ethnicity, with those arrested being identified as “Western Sudanese.” Similar campaigns in other states preceded violence against residents from Darfur, the RSF's main recruitment ground.
Sudan War Monitor was also informed of the arrest and release of several South Sudanese nationals who lacked identification. One source said dozens were initially detained but later released. One South Sudanese national said:
“They found us at a tea shop, arrested us for lacking documents, and then released us without charges or explaining why we were brought in. They don't even want any of us to ask questions. We just had to leave. When we went home, we realized most of our colleagues and many South Sudanese were first arrested and then released. In Sudan, there is no single South Sudanese living with proper documentation.”
Elsewhere, Sudan’s army has recruited South Sudanese into its ranks. Local South Sudanese outlet Sudans Post reported in March that a former South Sudanese military officer was involved in recruiting for SAF in River Nile State's Atbara.
South Sudanese have also been documented fighting alongside the RSF. The RSF has recruited these fighters from the outskirts of Khartoum, which is home to thousands of South Sudanese who are now living in difficult economic conditions due to the war.
Gedaref city where the latest crackdown took place is not a battle zone but rather is about 160 km behind the nearest frontline. Nevertheless, security forces fear a potential surprise attack like the one on Wad Madani last December. The rapid collapse of the defenses in that city was blamed on “sleeper cells”; security forces executed dozens of Darfur civilians during and after the fight for the city.
Gedaref recently suffered an alleged drone attack carried out by the RSF, amplifying fears of enemy spies and activity in the city.
Meanwhile, fighting on the frontline between Gedaref State and Al-Jazira State remains stalemated. SAF has conducted limited offensive operations into some rural areas of Al-Jazira State, without making substantial gains.
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