Port Sudan container terminal blocked

KHARTOUM: Protesters blocked Port Sudan’s container terminal and a road between the eastern city and Khartoum yesterday to protest against a peace deal signed by the Government and groups from across the country.

The deal, ratified on Sunday in Juba, was focused on resolving conflicts in the western Darfur region and southern states of Blue Nile and South Kordofan. Groups from other regions also signed.

However, the two most active groups in the west and the south did not sign, and analysts say local communities were not widely consulted by military and civilian authorities now sharing power.

‘‘We demand the cancellation of the ‘eastern track’ and the agreement that was signed yesterday in Juba because this track expresses an external agenda,’’ Port Sudan Workers Union head Aboud elSherbiny said.

‘‘We will take escalatory steps if this demand is not met.’’ — Reuters