Alongside the conflict in Tigray, the Sudanese army recaptures part of the el-Fashaga triangle

Tensions are rising at the border between Ethiopia and Sudan, especially in the el-Fashaga triangle region, an area whose demarcation has been a problem between the two countries for decades. But thanks to the conflict in Tigray, the Sudanese army took possession of part of this agricultural area.

as reported from the region, Sebastien nemeth

The tiangle of el-Fashaga covers 250 km2. This fertile area represents thousands of hectares of arable land. An important economic and food issue for the inhabitants.

Alleged by Sudan and Ethiopia, the region is known for its violence and human trafficking. But for several weeks, Ethiopian soldiers left the area to reinforce troops in Tigray.

The Sudanese army would therefore have benefited from the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops. According to several sources, Khartoum’s soldiers would have taken over the territories of Kurdia, Jebel Tayara and even Khor Yabis, which had been occupied by the Ethiopians for 25 years. A local Sudanese committee then spoke of a “restoration of Sudanese sovereignty”.

Many forces present

The boundary around the el-Fashaga triangle has never been clearly demarcated since decolonization. The area has therefore always been a source of tension. The Sudanese and Ethiopian armies have a presence there and even collided directly in May. A joint committee was then created to avoid carnage. But the meetings did not succeed in resolving the border issue.

In addition, there is human trafficking, in particular weapons, and the presence of Ethiopian soldiers called Shifta who serve as an aid to the ENDF. They regularly take part in raids, kidnappings and murders. But with the conflict in Tigray, Sudanese forces seem to be gaining the upper hand in the area. One week ago, they even arrested Halka Asar, a powerful Ethiopian militia leader suspected of many attacks in the area.

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