White Nile faces flood risk after RSF closes Jebel Aulia Dam

December 21, 2024 (KOSTI) – Rising water levels in the White Nile are threatening communities in Sudan’s White Nile state after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) closed the Jebel Aulia Dam, a Sudanese official said on Saturday.

The RSF seized the dam, located about 45 kilometres south of Khartoum, at the start of the conflict. The dam, which is three kilometres long and 20 meters high, regulates the flow of the White Nile.

“Water levels in the White Nile have surpassed all previous records,” acting Minister of Infrastructure Al-Tayeb Mohamed Al-Hassan said, blaming the “rebel militia” – a term used by the government to refer to the RSF.

The ministry has deployed teams to reinforce flood defences in several areas, including Al-Duwaym, Shabasha, and Kosti.

Activists report widespread displacement of residents living along the White Nile. Local residents have posted videos on social media showing floodwaters inundating homes and complained about a lack of government response.

Closing the Jebel Aulia Dam, which has a reservoir capacity of 2.3 billion cubic meters, is causing water to build up, raising the risk of flooding downstream.

White Nile State Governor Omer Al-Khalifa met with officials on Saturday to discuss the rising water levels, assess the damage, and plan mitigation measures.

The RSF has increased attacks on the White Nile state after suffering defeats against the army in the neighbouring Sennar state.