Sources within the SPLM-N (Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–North) say dozens of Egyptian nationals are currently trapped in Sudan’s Blue Nile region, amid escalating fighting and a tightening siege around the area.
Speaking to Al-Rakoba, SPLM-N sources alleged that Egyptian-linked groups have been operating in the region under the cover of mining activities, describing the presence as “intelligence-related.”
According to the sources, two Egyptian companies are working in Blue Nile using investment licenses tied to individuals affiliated with Sudanese authorities, while receiving security protection from state forces.
An SPLM-N official claimed that Burhan-led junta in Port Sudan had effectively granted Egyptian intelligence a green light to deploy advanced surveillance platforms at strategic locations, including the towns of Al-Damazin’s outskirts near “Jalqani” in Sennar state and Kurmuk in Blue Nile.
The operations are reportedly being carried out under the guise of mining ventures led by “Nabta Mining Company” and the “El Alamein Group.”
The official further alleged that the companies are tasked with managing networks of ground sensors and drones, monitoring Ethiopian territory and tracking flows of the Blue Nile.
He added that SPLM-N intelligence had identified the establishment of what he described as a “zero platform” in Kurmuk, effectively turning the town into a geophysical monitoring base capable of observing the structural integrity of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) from a distance of less than 15 kilometres.
Meanwhile, separate SPLM-N sources told Al-Rakoba that Egyptian diplomatic efforts are underway to secure a safe corridor for nationals stranded in the “Sali” area of Blue Nile.
Local sources said SPLM-N forces have imposed a tight siege on the area, where between 30 and 40 Egyptians are believed to be present.
The Sali area witnessed intense clashes in late March, when General al-Burhan’s SAF said it had repelled a major assault by forces aligned with the Sudan Founding Alliance (TASIS).
However, the identity and role of the Egyptian nationals remain unclear. Local sources suggest they have been present in the area for over a year, overseeing the operation and monitoring of unspecified equipment.
A military official within SPLM-N, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the Egyptians as military experts working with advanced surveillance and jamming systems, as well as geological instruments used to measure ground vibrations.
The official stressed the movement’s hardline stance, rejecting any settlement that would allow the evacuation of the individuals after they were encircled in what he described as a strategic zone.
Heavy fighting has continued across multiple fronts in Blue Nile for the past two months, involving General al-Burhan’s army and allied forces against the Rapid Support Forces and their allies, including SPLM-N.
