SPLM-N military court sentences prominent activist to one year in prison

July 26, 2026 (KAUDA) – A military court run by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) led by Abdel Aziz al-Hilu has sentenced prominent Nuba Mountains activist Najwa Musa Kaunda to one year in prison, a rights worker said Sunday.

Kaunda, a leading advocate for women’s rights, peacebuilding, and ending child recruitment, was arrested in early April from the SPLM-N-controlled Um Dherein area before being transferred to Kauda.

A rights activist speaking to Sudan Tribune on condition of anonymity said the High Military Court issued the verdict on July 14, though Kaunda was never formally informed of any charges during her detention or trial.

The case stems from a February 12 attack on Otoro in the Dabai area by members of the Al-Shawayah tribe. Kaunda told the court she was visiting her uncle’s house and fled alongside civilians when fighting broke out.

Presiding Judge Al-Sadiq Omer based the sentence on a social media post allegedly written by Kaunda that criticized abuses by the SPLM-N against civilians in Kauda, the activist said. No supporting evidence was presented during the proceedings.

Kaunda previously served on the SPLM-N negotiating delegation during peace talks with the former Sudanese government and led the 2016 implementation of the UN action plan to end child recruitment in movement-controlled areas.

She is currently held at Tabanya prison in the Tobo area south of Kadugli. She has been denied family visits and medical care despite suffering from stomach inflammation and ulcers, the activist added.

Several human rights and aid workers from the Otoro area remain detained without trial by the movement, including UNDP staff member Maurice Hassan, NRRDO employee Musa John, and TROCA employee Khater Adam Al-Nur.