Tensions have escalated in eastern Sudan on the border with Ethiopia. The Sudanese army claims that a patrol of soldiers was transferred by Ethiopian armed forces. The clashes took place in the area around the el-Fashaga triangle. An agricultural area that is subject to a closure between the two countries. The Sudanese forces suffered “loss of life and material”. The army has strengthened its presence in the state of Gedaref.
With our special envoy to the Ethiopian border, Eliott Brachet
Military convoys were launched at full speed on the roads, helicopters in the sky, the tension was palpable, this Thursday afternoon, in Gadaref. These troop movements also coincided with the unexpected visit of the head of the Sovereign Council. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan personally traveled with the Sudanese troops.
Military sources confirmed to RFI that reinforcements had been deployed along the Ethiopian border. According to the same sources, the army has regained control of the Jebel Abutiour area where the ambush took place. Clashes that left four Sudanese dead, including an officer, and at least 12 injured.
Risk of destabilization
The Sudanese army directly involves the Ethiopian militias known as the “shiftas” who have controlled the Fashaga triangle for several years. But she also accuses the Ethiopian federal army of participating in the fighting.
Addis Ababa has not denied. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assures us that the Ethiopian army responded to an invasion of soldiers on its territory. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called for a dialogue between the two countries. On the other hand, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry condemned unjustified attacks that could destabilize the region.
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