In October 2020, several rebel groups signed a landmark accord with a military-civilian transition government which came to power shortly after the April 2019 ouster of long-time autocrat Omar al-Bashir.
But Sudan's eastern Beja people have criticised parts of the fragile peace deal, saying it does not represent them.
Since last week, hundreds of Sudanese protesters have staged a sit-in demanding the dismissal of the Red Sea state governor, accusing him of supporting the 2020 peace deal.
"The national road is blocked," an alliance of several Beja tribes said in a statement.
Protest leader Abdalla Obshar told AFP that security forces have sought to break up the sit-in Port Sudan.
"We will not leave," he vowed.
That blockade worsened Sudan's already struggling economy by exacerbating fuel and wheat shortages, heaping pressure on the transitional government of then-prime minister Abdalla Hamdok.
Port Sudan, the country's main seaport and vital trade hub, was reopened in November.
For an optimal experience, please
