Sudan's Blue Nile curfew sparks mass motorcycle seizure

Al Jazeera reported that security forces in Sudan's Blue Nile state impounded dozens of motorcycles on Saturday, saying the riders had violated a curfew imposed after dark. The vehicles were taken to a local police depot, and owners were warned that repeat offenses could lead to harsher penalties.

The curfew, which runs from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., was announced by the Sudanese army earlier this month as part of a broader effort to curb looting and armed clashes in the region. Officials said the restriction applies to all civilian traffic, but enforcement has focused heavily on motorcycles, a common mode of transport in the largely rural state.

Blue Nile has been a flashpoint since the power struggle that erupted in Sudan in 2023, when rival military factions vied for control of the capital and peripheral provinces. The state’s rugged terrain and limited road network make motorcycles essential for daily commuting, market trips, and delivering aid. Curfews have been used repeatedly across Sudan to limit night‑time movements that could facilitate armed groups' activities, but they also disrupt ordinary livelihoods.

Local residents expressed frustration at the seizure, noting that many depend on their bikes for work and school. Transport analysts warn that repeated confiscations could strain the already fragile economy, pushing more people toward informal or illegal routes. Human‑rights observers have previously cautioned that curfew enforcement in Sudan sometimes lacks clear guidelines, leading to arbitrary arrests and property loss.

No official comment was received from the army or the Blue Nile police department at the time of writing. The incident adds to a series of security measures that have drawn international attention, as the United Nations and regional bodies call for a negotiated cease‑fire and protection of civilian infrastructure.