Clashes erupted in the Jebel Al-Boum market for informal mining in the Abyei locality, northern Sudan, after a religious dispute over the celebration of the Prophet's birthday, which resulted in the burning of a mosque and the destruction of its contents, according to circulating reports.
The tension reportedly began with arguments during Friday prayers between supporters of the celebration and others who consider it a heresy, and then escalated into physical fights extending to the vicinity of the mosque. Local sources stated that several worshippers were subjected to assault inside and around the mosque, amidst rising tensions between groups from the Salafi community and Sufi orders, as well as between the Hausa people and groups from Darfur involved in mining.
The events caused significant material damage, including the destruction of mosque facilities, the damage of a solar power system, and the burning of about 15 air conditioners. Families and miners have urged the authorities to take urgent action to contain the tension, investigate the circumstances of the attack, and prevent a recurrence of the clashes.