The Central African Republic (CAR) has reopened the Um Dafouq border crossing to Sudanese nationals after a brief closure caused by a security misunderstanding along the volatile Sudan–CAR frontier.
Joint peace committees from Sudan and the CAR said the crossing in South Darfur State reopened to Sudanese travelers on November 10, according to Radio Tamazuj.
It had been temporarily restricted for several hours following a misunderstanding involving security forces from both countries in the border area known as the Triangle.
Sheikh Juma Abdel-Karim, deputy leader of the Ta’aisha tribal administration, said the governor of Um Dafouq and the Central African mediation committee, led by Dr. Mahmoud Kashmir, both confirmed that the border remained open.
“Pastoral movements have not stopped, and the Um Dafouq border crossing is open to Sudanese citizens,” he said, adding that Sudanese traders and residents attended the weekly market in Um Dafouq on November 9 and returned safely.
The reopening follows a reconciliation agreement reached several weeks ago between Sudanese and Central African border communities. Under the deal, blood compensation was paid to families of Central African community members killed during tensions in 2025, while both sides agreed to resume grazing and commercial activity across the frontier.
The development offers relief to communities that depend on cross-border trade and seasonal livestock migration. Um Dafuq lies on a historic pastoral route, and Sudanese herders have long moved livestock into CAR territory in search of water and pasture.
Meanwhile, the UN says security threats persist along CAR’s borders with Sudan and Chad, while fighting linked to Sudan’s war has periodically disrupted movement and displaced civilians near Am Dafok, opposite Um Dafuq.
