Sudan accuses Ethiopia of sponsoring local militia in Blue Nile

KHARTOUM - Another crisis is looming in the Horn of Africa, but this time pitting traditional allies Sudan and Ethiopia, not about the controversial Grand Renaissance Dam, but a well-funded militia within the Blue Nile, which is allegedly sabotaging Khartoum administration.

Over the weekend, Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Eritrea President Isaias Afwerki visited Sudan Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, but it's not clear if the issue about an Ethiopian-sponsored militia was discussed. However, the issue of the Grand Renaissance Dam was broadly dealt with.

Sudan News Agency reports that Ethiopia is funding a militia group along the Blue Nile, which is reportedly causing mayhem and antagonism within Sudan, adding that weapons, ammunition, and combat equipment are being provided by Addis Ababa.

The leader of the militia Joseph Touka, Sudan News Agency says, has sophisticated connections to Ethiopia's administration, and has used the links to partner for the sake of the sustainability of his troops.

"Ethiopian government provided logistical support to Joseph Touka's forces in the Blue Nile, including weapons, ammunition, and combat equipment. The support arrived in Yabous on February 27, 2021, and the support was received by Commander Joseph Touka and some of his forces' commanders," the agency said.

Khartoum now says Addis Ababa is keen to use Joseph Touka's troops to seize Kurmuk city which is found on the shores of Blue Nile, a move aimed at distracting operations within the Eastern Front in the country.

"It should be noted that the Ethiopian government aims to use Commander Joseph Touka to occupy the city of Kurmuk with the support of Ethiopian artillery, with the aim of dispersing the efforts of the Sudanese army on the eastern front," it said.

But Addis Ababa is yet to respond to the damaging report, which could further derail unity within the Horn of Africa. Sudan has been hosting refugees from Ethiopia who fled the Tigray region following a military operation that has caused international outrage.

The Addis Ababa administration is accused of cooperating with Asmara to deploy Eritrea troops in the Tigray region, who are now being accused of overseeing mass murder during the operation. Internally, Ethiopia is also confronting the worst ethnic cleansing in as many years.

GAROWE ONLINE