Kassala, Sudan — The deployment of the Eastern Battalion forces in eastern Sudan, in coordination with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), has raised concerns over potential escalation in a region already strained by tribal and political rivalries. The battalion, led by Gen Amin Daoud, announced on Tuesday that its troops are “securing the [Sudanese] border in Kassala” following military consultations with the SAF. The statement, posted on the group’s social media, signals growing involvement of local militias in the ongoing national conflict.
Simultaneously, the Beja Congress, an armed group led by Mousa Mohamed, has mobilized its own troops in the area, sparking fears of conflict among the various factions stationed in eastern Sudan. Observers are concerned that the presence of multiple armed groups, including the Darfur Joint Force, may lead to clashes with each other and potentially against the SAF itself. Sudanese analysts warn that the convergence of these forces risks destabilizing eastern Sudan, escalating long-standing regional and ethnic rivalries into violent confrontations.
Journalist Khaled Taha, speaking with Radio Dabanga, highlighted a possible shift in Daoud’s neutrality in the conflict, pointing out his historical affiliations with the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and the Sudan Liberation Movement. Recent meetings between Daoud and SAF Deputy Commander Lt Gen Yasir El Atta in Omdurman suggest an alignment with government forces, reportedly with SAF’s approval to open battalion offices in Sudan’s eastern states. Taha cautioned that this cooperation might soon result in Eastern Battalion forces joining the SAF in its fight against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), potentially turning the ongoing military confrontations into broader tribal warfare.
Taha also expressed concerns that this increased tribal engagement could spread instability to neighboring regions, such as the Blue Nile and Sennar states. Tribal alliances across the Eritrean border, including ties among the Beni Amer and Shukria, could draw more groups into the conflict, intensifying violence in regions outside of eastern Sudan. According to Taha, even if SAF and RSF reach formal agreements, these mounting tribal allegiances could impede peace efforts.
Meanwhile, public sentiment has been divided. Polls on social media reveal apprehension, with 62.8% of X (formerly Twitter) users and 77% of Facebook users predicting that the Eastern Battalion’s mobilization will heighten military and political complications in eastern Sudan. Comments from citizens highlight contrasting views: while some see the deployment as a defense against foreign mercenaries, others argue it threatens to deepen Sudan’s internal divides, warning of a dangerous slide into civil strife.
As the Sudanese government grapples with challenges to national unity, the mobilization of eastern militias under SAF raises critical questions about Sudan’s future stability and the potential for broader regional conflict.