Authorities in the Central African Republic have reportedly closed a key border crossing with Sudan’s South Darfur state, just two weeks after reopening the route following a reconciliation agreement between communities on both sides.
The crossing at Um Dafuq was shut on Monday without an official explanation, according to residents and community sources cited by Darfur24.
The decision threatens to disrupt cross-border trade and livestock movements that had only recently resumed after months of restrictions.
Local residents said the governor of Um Dafuq on the Central African side ordered the closure despite a period of relative calm following the implementation of a tribal reconciliation agreement.
Traditional leaders from Sudan subsequently contacted their counterparts across the border seeking clarification but were reportedly told that the reasons for the decision remained unknown.
Reconciliation efforts face setback
The crossing had reopened approximately two weeks earlier after community representatives reached an agreement aimed at ending tensions between neighbouring groups.
The arrangement allowed Sudanese pastoralists to resume access to grazing areas inside the Central African Republic while enabling residents of Birao and neighbouring settlements to travel to Sudanese markets for essential goods.
The earlier restrictions followed tensions surrounding an attack on the Central African side of Um Dafuq in June.
The Sudan Founding Alliance (TASIS) government has supported reconciliation initiatives along the frontier, including efforts involving traditional community leaders to resolve disputes over land, livestock movements and cross-border security.
A delegation acting under the direction of TASIS leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo previously visited the area to help address outstanding communal grievances.
The initiatives form part of wider efforts by the TASIS government to restore stability, commercial activity and local administration in territories outside the control of the Port Sudan-based SAF government.
Border communities face renewed uncertainty
The latest closure represents a setback for communities that had begun restoring economic and social relations following the earlier agreement.
Um Dafuq serves as an important commercial and livestock crossing between South Darfur and the Central African Republic.
Restrictions on movement have previously left Sudanese herders stranded and disrupted access to markets and grazing land.
The situation has placed additional pressure on communities already facing economic hardship, insecurity and the consequences of Sudan’s prolonged conflict.
Residents fear that another extended closure could increase the cost of essential commodities, restrict access to grazing areas and revive tensions along the frontier.
Traditional community leaders are continuing efforts to establish the reasons behind the decision and seek a resolution that would allow trade and civilian movement to resume.
No official explanation for the renewed closure had been reported as of Monday.
