Khartoum, April 09 (Darfur24)
Displaced people who fled conflict in Darfur and Kordofan to Sudan’s Northern State have expressed growing fears for their safety following protests rejecting their presence in the region.
A demonstration held on Tuesday in Dalgo locality, where protesters refused the establishment of shelters for displaced people, has sparked widespread concern among affected communities and the broader public.
Protesters gathered in front of local government offices and submitted a memorandum to the Executive Director of Dalgo, Mudathir Sharaf Al-Din Abdullah, voicing their opposition to hosting displaced populations in villages and localities across the state.
The protest gained wider attention after Sudan 24 TV aired footage of the demonstration before later deleting it amid backlash. Authorities subsequently suspended the channel’s operations in Sudan, citing professional and legal violations, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Culture and Information.
Displaced individuals told Darfur24 that the protest represents a serious threat and could expose them to further violations after escaping violence in their areas of origin.
Wael Issa Musa, one of the displaced in the Northern State, described the incident as an attempt by organized groups to incite division and push out displaced communities. He stressed that many residents of the Northern State had previously welcomed those fleeing the war, describing the protest as the action of a limited group.
Sakina Ibrahim Obeidallah also condemned what she described as incitement against Sudanese citizens within their own country, warning that such rhetoric threatens national cohesion. She noted that Al-Afad camp, which hosts around 30,000 displaced people, has largely been accepted by local communities.
Nasr Yaqoub, a journalist, warned that calls to reject displaced people reflect dangerous divisions and could have serious consequences if not addressed. He emphasized that those displaced did not leave voluntarily, but were forced to flee due to the war.
He called on authorities to intervene to curb hate speech and ensure the rights and safety of displaced populations across the country.
In a statement, the Darfur Regional Government condemned any calls to expel internally displaced persons, describing them as a threat to national unity and a violation of humanitarian principles. It warned against targeting displaced communities and pledged legal action against those promoting discrimination or incitement.
The government also accused the Rapid Support Forces of fueling tribal tensions and hate speech, further deepening divisions.
Separately, the Ministry of Culture, Information, Antiquities, and Tourism announced the suspension of the Sudan 24 channel, citing violations. The decision included halting its activities inside Sudan, withdrawing licenses, and suspending its correspondents pending legal review.
The developments highlight growing tensions over displacement in Sudan, as millions remain uprooted by the ongoing conflict and seek refuge in safer parts of the country.