Al- Gash Bridge Closure: A Just Cause or Power Struggle “Pawns of Authority”
Al- Gash Bridge Closure: A Just Cause or Power Struggle “Pawns of Authority”- Khartoum Highlight
Hundreds of citizens in Kassala closed Al- Gash River Bridge, which links the city’s east and west, demanding cleaner water. The demand is just, and peaceful protest is legitimate. Citizens suffer from polluted water and government inaction against waste accumulation. However, suspicions arise that the organizer manipulated the cause to settle scores among local power figures. Former Press Council Secretary-General and East Sudan affairs expert, Hossam El-Din Haidar, told Khartoum Highlight: “The cause is just, but now it’s being used by what I call power pawns.”
Haidar added that Mohamed Sayedna , who addressed the rally, “is nothing but a pawn in bigger games.” He continued: “For years, Sayedna was present during Kassala bridge closures, transitional unrest, looting, deaths, and insecurity.” Addressing the crowd, Mohamed Sayedna said: “Al- Gash water comes polluted, even reaching Derdeib.
Kassala Pharma dumps waste.” He added: “We drank contaminated water for four years. Are we dying as a nation so Karrar Sid Ahmed profits?”. Karrar Sid Ahmed is the owner of Kassala Pharma Poultry Company. Commenting on Sayedna ’s speech, Haidar wrote on Facebook: “This is a repeated, deceptive grievance narrative, exploiting our people’s suffering in East Sudan.” He stressed that behind Sayedna ’s words lies a personal conflict with Kassala Pharma, serving hidden agendas in Port Sudan’s power circles.
