As the Eastern Cohort militia mobilizes in eastern Sudan, tensions surge, particularly with the Beja community calling the force a ‘foreign threat.’ Meanwhile, intensified drone strikes in Khartoum are worsening the humanitarian toll, as calls for safe zones and international intervention grow amid Sudan’s unfolding civil conflict.
Announced on October 29, the Eastern Cohort, a militia associated with the Popular Front for Liberation and Justice under Amin Daoud, confirmed its mobilization in Kassala State. This deployment follows their training at undisclosed sites and aims to defend “land and honor” amid Sudan’s ongoing instability, according to assistant commander Humad Shiblalla. While Shiblalla noted the move was coordinated with the Sudanese Armed Forces, many local leaders, especially from the Beja ethnic group, are raising strong objections.
Beja leader Sayed Ali Abu Amina, representing the High Council of Beja Nazirs and Independent Columns, warned that the Eastern Cohort’s presence is exacerbating tensions, calling it a “foreign force” allegedly comprised of individuals from Eritrean opposition groups. Abu Amina further accused the militia of receiving support from Eritrea under the leadership of Minni Arko Minawi of the Sudan Liberation Movement, a move he sees as a threat to Beja lands. The growing hostility highlights the risk of intensified clashes in an area already destabilized by complex tribal and political allegiances.
Meanwhile, in Port Sudan, the Sudanese Armed Forces have reportedly decided to replace Darfuri armed groups safeguarding critical locations with troops from eastern Sudan, including the Eastern Cohort. This strategic realignment occurs as Port Sudan has become a vital hub for Sudan’s government functions amid the prolonged conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The redeployment is sparking further divisions among eastern Sudanese communities who view the militia’s presence as provocative.
In Khartoum, ongoing clashes between the RSF and the Sudanese military continue to devastate civilian areas, with recent drone attacks targeting southern neighborhoods. Reports indicate that at least two civilians were killed and over 20 injured in Ad Hussein following an October 29 drone strike. The incident marked a continuation of violence that, on October 22, left 24 dead and dozens injured in the same region, underscoring the intensifying humanitarian toll. Civilian casualties are mounting due to regular airstrikes and artillery shelling across the capital’s southern belt, including Al-Ingaz, Al-Salama, Al-Azhari, Ad Hussein, and Mayo neighborhoods.
Siddiq al-Sadiq al-Mahdi, secretary-general of the Taqadum political coalition, has called for immediate steps to protect civilians trapped in Sudan’s civil conflict, describing it as a full-scale civil war that could dismantle the nation. During a recent international gathering in Nairobi, al-Mahdi emphasized the need for “safe zones” and a suspension of aerial bombardments to alleviate civilian suffering. He noted that the UN and the UK are drafting a Security Council resolution to address civilian protection measures, an initiative supported by British Ambassador Barbara Woodward.
Taqadum has laid out a peace plan focusing on a national political dialogue and simultaneous ceasefire discussions. Al-Mahdi urged broader international involvement in Sudan’s peace efforts, including from IGAD, the African Union, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. He also addressed Sudan’s suspension from the African Union, asserting that a ceasefire and guaranteed humanitarian aid are prerequisites for reinstatement. Taqadum’s vision includes a structured transition to civilian governance, with al-Mahdi underscoring that sustainable peace in Sudan requires urgent international collaboration.
