Dozens of troops from the Sudan Armed Forces and Popular Defence militia have abandoned their posts in Blue Nile state, military sources said.

A military officer from the Fourth Infantry Division in Damazin who preferred to withhold his name for security reasons told Radio Tamazuj that more than two companies of soldiers from Blue Nile have refused to participate in military operations for more than two weeks. The companies were stationed at Makjah, Disa and Dondro.

The officer said the soldiers refused to take up arms against potential relatives in the state where the government is battling insurgents of the Sudan People's Liberation Army-North. 

Another army officer in el Silk area told Radio Tamazuj that there is grumbling within the ranks of the Popular Defence Forces militia who are fighting alongside the SAF.

He added that the militia group have revealed their non­participation in any military operations against SPLA-­N in Blue Nile due to non-payment of salaries after they fought in Malkin and Kalgo previously.

“These forces have participated in so many battles and operations. Government use to promise them some payment, but when they carryout operations then they don’t get a return from government. So they have decided not to obey any further instruction,” he said.