Sudan: A new-armed militia adds uncertainty to the conflict

Fears are escalating over the Sudanese conflict, now more than 18 months ongoing, as a newly formed militia enters the fray in eastern Sudan.

The new militia, known as the “Eastern Battalion,” was reportedly trained in neighboring Eritrea. According to a statement, the group has begun operations in Kassala state, near the Red Sea region.

Led by General Al-Amine Daoud Mahmoud, the Eastern Battalion has been active along Sudan’s eastern border with Al-Jazeera state, coordinating efforts with the Sudanese army under General Abdelfattah El-Burhan. The group’s stated purpose, as outlined in its statement, is to “safeguard the territories of eastern Sudan in support of the army.” The Eastern Battalion is just one of several militias to have recently emerged, reportedly after receiving training in Eritrea, sparking concerns that new armed factions are deepening the conflict.

Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki has publicly voiced support for the Sudanese army, stating recently to Sudanese media that “only the army can rebuild Sudan.”

This latest development threatens to further destabilize the region, already ravaged by a war that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced approximately 14 million Sudanese.

Meanwhile, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continue to commit widespread violence against civilians in eastern Al-Jazeera state, where the death toll is reported to be in the dozens, although an exact figure has not been provided.