This archive report was first published on 26 August 2019.
On August 26, 2019, Sudan's interim government declared a state of emergency in the Red Sea state following a wave of ethnic violence that left at least 16 people dead.
The violence, which occurred between the Bani Amer and Nuba groups in Port Sudan from Wednesday until Saturday, marked a significant escalation in the conflict, with the government stating that firearms had been used for the first time, suggesting internal and external interference.
Port Sudan, the capital of Red Sea state, is a crucial shipping route, with most of Sudan's trade passing through the port, which is also used by South Sudan to export oil.
The declaration of a state of emergency comes as Sudan is still reeling from months of turmoil, which ended with a power-sharing agreement between civilians and the military following the ousting of long-term leader Omar al-Bashir.
