At least 150 people have been killed in two days of fighting in the latest ethnic clashes triggered by land disputes in Sudan’s southern Blue Nile state, a medic said Thursday.
The fighting is some of the worst in recent months, and crowds took to the streets of the Blue Nile state capital Damazin in protest, chanting slogans condemning a conflict that has left hundreds dead this year.
Clashes in Sudan’s troubled Blue Nile broke out last week after reported arguments over land between members of the Hausa people and rival groups.
The fighting has centred around the Wad al-Mahi area near Roseires, some 500 kilometres (310 miles) south of the capital Khartoum. Residents on Wednesday reported intense gunfire and houses set on fire.
“A total of 150 people including women, children, and elderly were killed between Wednesday and Thursday,” said Abbas Moussa, head of Wad al-Mahi hospital. “Around 86 people were also wounded in the violence.”
On Thursday, hundreds marched through Damazin, some calling for the state governor to be sacked, witnesses said.
“No, no to violence,” the demonstrators chanted.
