Sudan’s civilian coalition Somoud has warned against efforts to recruit and arm civilians in Kassala state, saying the creation of armed groups outside legal institutions could threaten public safety and deepen divisions between communities.
In a statement reported by Radio Dabanga, the coalition’s Kassala branch rejected attempts to draw residents into political and military conflict, urging authorities to uphold their responsibility to protect civilians and property.
Somoud warned that difficult economic and social conditions could be exploited to recruit young people. It also cautioned against using tribal and regional affiliations to mobilise civilians, saying this could fuel divisions and conflicts that would be difficult to contain.
Kassala has an established system of army-backed civilian mobilisation. In July 2024, governor Al-Sadiq Mohamed al-Azraq formed a mobilisation and popular resistance committee whose stated duties included arming recruits under the supervision of the state’s military command.
Somoud’s latest statement did not identify the organisers of the recruitment efforts it condemned or explicitly link them to that committee.
The coalition said security concerns should be addressed through state institutions and the rule of law, rather than by expanding the circulation of weapons among the population.
It rejected arrangements to arm residents or establish militias and other armed formations outside the legal framework, calling instead for stronger security, improved public services and protection of property.
Somoud also urged residents to preserve peaceful relations between communities and reject hate speech and tribal incitement.
The alliance reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights of Kassala’s residents and opposing the use of civilians in political and military struggles.
