SPLM-N releases 11 detained Sudanese soldiers

March 21, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – The SPLM-N led by Abdel Aziz al-Hilu released on Tuesday 11 Sudanese army soldiers held in the group-controlled area in South Kordofan.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the group said that the released military had been arrested for more than a year.

“These (military) prisoners had entered the liberated areas, armed and wearing military uniforms with their signs and military ranks,” added the statement.

For its part, the United Nations Integrated Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) released a statement confirming the release of the Sudanese soldiers.

The UNITAMS “facilitated the evacuation of eleven detainees held in SPLM-N-controlled areas,” said the mission in a statement on Tuesday.

“The eleven men are now reunited with their families as we start the holy month of Ramadan,” added the UNITAMS.

The SPLM-N said that their release was decided to mark their appreciation for the role played by the UNITAMS and its head Volker Perthes to help Sudanese get out of the national crisis.

For its part, the mission said that Volker thanks SPLM-N leader Abdel Aziz al-Hilu “for his goodwill gesture and the decision to release them”.

The civilian government appointed after the collapse of the former regime authorized the movement of people and goods from and to the rebel-held areas in South Kordofan.

Also, UN humanitarian agencies and UNITMAs continue to provide assistance to Sudanese civilians in the SPLM-N areas.

(ST)