SPLM-N launches fresh attacks in South Kordofan amid calls for ceasefire

July 18, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) has recently launched new offensives against the Sudanese army in South Kordofan amid pleas for a cessation of hostilities.

Since July 15, the SPLA-N, led by Abdel Aziz al-Hilu, has resumed military operations in areas neighbouring the cities of Dilling and Kadugli. Reports indicate that the SPLM has taken control of the oil pumping station in the Karkaraya area, south of Dilling.

Sudanese army spokesman Nabil Abdallah confirmed to Sudan Tribune that the army successfully repelled an attack by the SPLA-N in the Karkal area, which connects Kadugli and Dilling.

However, military sources in Kadugli say that SPLM-N forces have seized control of the strategic area, leading to the road closure and disruption in civilian transportation between North and South Kordofan.

Sources further revealed the withdrawal of the Sudanese army from the “Al-Farshaya” military camp on Tuesday morning, following the advance of fighters affiliated with the SPLM-N near the military site located in the Dilling locality.

Expressing concern over the recent developments in South Kordofan, the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) called for an immediate halt to the fighting.

“We urge all forces involved to cease military operations immediately in order to de-escalate the situation and prevent the expansion of the conflict, and we call them to resume negotiations,” stated UNITAMS in a statement on Tuesday.

The SPLM-N has not issued any statement regarding the military operations in South Kordofan and the Blue Nile. Civil society organisations supporting the armed group claim these operations aim to protect civilians from possible attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

There are growing concerns that the fighting in South Kordofan will lead to a deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the region. The war is expected to disrupt the agricultural season, negatively impact trade and restrict the movement of people.

In a letter to the SPLM-N leader seen by Sudan Tribune, Siddig Tawer, a civilian member of the Sovereign Council who was dismissed by the military component after the October 25, 2021, coup d’etat, called for an end to the military escalation against the Sudanese army during this critical period to prevent the collapse of the Sudanese state and the country’s fragmentation.

“If the motive behind this escalation is to protect citizens from the possibilities of replicating the West Darfur scenario in the Nuba Mountains, it cannot be achieved by plunging the region back into a war zone. Instead, it requires reaching understandings among all stakeholders concerned with regional stability, including the SPLA-N, regular forces, and community leaders,” Tawer emphasized.

The SPLM-N and the Sudanese transitional government had previously signed an agreement to halt hostilities, allowing humanitarian aid access to the region from Sudanese territory and enabling people’s movement to and from SPLM-controlled areas.

(ST)