Sudan has closed the border between its eastern Kassala State and Ethiopia, following rising tensions between Ethiopian federal authorities and the Tigray region, the state-owned Suna news agency has reported.
The announcement was made by Governor Fateh al-Rahman al-Amin who said the border will remain closed until further notice, the agency reports.
The governor said he would travel to Wad Al Helew, a village in Kassala State bordering Ethiopia and Eritrea, to assess the situation. He stressed that Sudanese authorities would not allow any individuals or groups to enter the state with weapons.
A committee will also be formed to look into how to deal with civilians who may seek refuge in Sudanese territory.
On Thursday, Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok spoke on the phone with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed, saying he was following the latest developments in Ethiopia with concern.
On 4 November Prime Minister Abiy ordered the army to take military action against Tigray region, accusing its fighters of attacking federal troops stationed in the region.
