Escalating Violence in Blue Nile State of Sudan
Press Statement
Victoria Nuland
Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
September 2, 2011
The United States is deeply concerned about the fighting that broke out September 1 between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF)
and the forces of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-North (SPLM/A-N) in Blue Nile State in Sudan, as well as
the ongoing troop mobilization on both sides. We call on both parties to cease hostilities and for the SAF to end aerial
bombings. We also call on both parties to protect civilians and engage in dialogue to prevent further escalation of
violence.
These clashes in Blue Nile follow fighting that has been ongoing since June 5 between the SAF and SPLM/A-North in
Southern Kordofan, about which we also remain deeply concerned. The United States continues to call on both sides to
allow unfettered humanitarian access and human rights monitoring of affected populations in Southern Kordofan, as well
as Blue Nile.
The spread of fighting into Blue Nile further highlights the urgent need for negotiations between the Government of
Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North to reach a political settlement that brings peace and stability
to Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile. In this regard we are particularly disappointed that there has been no follow
through after the meeting between President Bashir and SPLM/N Chairman Malik Agar in Khartoum on August 21. We also
reiterate the need for a peaceful relationship between Sudan and South Sudan and for resolution of outstanding issues
between the two countries.
ENDS