Blue Nile State Protection Analysis Update

In July, September, and October 2022, fighting erupted between the Hausa community and the Funj, Hamaj, and Berta communities in Ar Rusayris, Wad Al Mahi, and Geisan localities of Blue Nile. The conflict resulted in the displacement of 127,961 persons, primarily from the Hausa ethnic group, an estimated 441 deaths and the injury of 469 individuals since July 2022.

In July, the Hausa initially sought safety in Al-Damazine, but many moved onward to surrounding states and Khartoum based on familial and cultural ties. In early September, violence broke out when some members of the Hausa community voluntarily returned to village 7 in the Wad Al Mahi locality. In October, violence resurfaced in Ar Rusayris and Wad Al Mahi localities, leaving at least 13 people dead and more than 24 injured.

Within the broader context of Sudan, the conflict also coincides with the drafting of the new constitution by the Sudanese Bar Association, which could impact political settlements and remove protections from prosecution over various human rights violations since 2003. This drafting process and political uncertainty appear to be causing anxiety for different armed groups and political parties in Sudan. This Protection Analysis Update will explore the protection dynamics within the Blue Nile state since July 2022. The Protection Sector jointly with partners monitored the situation, communicated the findings through two POC advocacy briefs with senior UN and donor officials, held and attended risk mitigation meetings jointly with the state officials, identified the most vulnerable individuals for assistance by protection sector partners, GBV, CP and MA AoRs, and other sectors including ES/NFIs.

Priority protection risks identified include:

1. Attacks on Civilians
2. Conflict and Forced Displacement
3. Child Protection
4. Gender-Based Violence
5. Housing, Land and Property
6. Explosive Ordnance (EO)