2 states in Sudan declare emergency

PORT SUDAN, Sudan (AA) - Sudan’s Sennar and Northern states declared states of emergency on Sunday after fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) nearby.

The governor of Sennar state, Tawfik Mohamed Ali Abdallah, declared a state of emergency and a curfew between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. (1700GMT and 0300GMT), according to Sudan's official news agency SUNA.

Abdallah, who decided to form a "security cell" from the military, police and security forces, said they would confiscate all unlicensed motorcycles and cars.

He emphasized that the government of Sennar is ready against dangers, that they are monitoring the entrances and exits of the state and that "they will not be tolerant in the fight against the rebels," referring to RSF, which have been in conflict with the army since mid-April.

"Anyone who dares to conspire with the rebels will be treated as required by law," he added.

In Northern state, Governor Abdeen Awadallah Mohamed declared a state of emergency and issued a decree imposing a curfew between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. (1800GMT and 0300GMT).

Sudan has been mired by fighting between the army, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the ruling Sovereign Council, and the RSF.

More than 12,000 people have been killed and over 33,000 injured as a result of the conflict, according to the UN.

Approximately 25 million people, half of the population, need humanitarian aid.

About 7 million people in Sudan have been displaced within the country or fled in search of security in neighboring countries.