AD-DAMAZIN – Blue Nile Governor Ahmed Al-Omda Badi renewed his call for members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and other armed groups from the region to embrace peace and return to what he described as the national fold, saying they could contribute to stability and development.

Badi made the remarks during a meeting on Sunday with journalists, media officials, television correspondents and social media influencers in Blue Nile State, where discussions focused on strengthening public messaging in support of security and stability.

He said the security situation in Blue Nile was stable and praised the sacrifices of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), allied forces and local residents in confronting what he described as rebel forces.

The meeting also discussed ways to counter claims and rumors that Badi said were aimed at undermining security in the region, as well as efforts to raise public awareness and provide citizens with accurate information.

Badi stressed the importance of the media’s role in confronting what he described as disinformation campaigns led by the RSF, calling for coordinated media efforts and a unified message to present facts to the public.

His remarks come amid continued military tensions in Blue Nile, particularly around border areas such as Kurmuk and Qeisan, where recent clashes, drone activity and displacement have raised concerns over the widening impact of Sudan’s war.

The war between the SAF and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023, has increasingly affected regions beyond Khartoum and Darfur, including parts of Kordofan and Blue Nile. The expansion of fighting has placed additional pressure on local authorities, communities and humanitarian services.

Blue Nile has also been affected by displacement, rainy-season challenges and disruption to basic services, making local stability and humanitarian access central concerns for authorities and aid groups.

Badi said the coming period would see the region fully cleared of rebel forces. He also praised initiatives by the Higher Council for Culture and Information and other media institutions and platforms for supporting security and stability.

Speakers at the meeting included Blue Nile government Secretary-General Mirghani Makki Mirghani, Higher Council for Culture, Information and Tourism head Saif Al-Nasr Minallah, and Radio and Television Authority Director-General Omar Abdel Rahim Al-Baili.

They pledged to support a unified media message, promote stability and back the SAF and allied forces.