South Sudan president persuades SPLM-N al-Hliu to refrain from attacking Sudanese army
July 5, 2023 (JUBA) – President Salva Kiir of South Sudan revealed on Tuesday that he has successfully persuaded the leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), Abdel Aziz Adam Al-Hilu, to cease recent attacks on the Sudanese army.
Taking advantage of the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and paramilitary forces in Khartoum and other parts of the country, the SPLM-N launched a series of attacks in the capital of South Kordofan, Kadougli, as well as in Diling and Kurmuk towns in the Blue Nile region.
During a meeting with governors and heads of the infantry division command in Wau and Wunyiik, Aweil, Kiir shared that he had been receiving daily reports about the fighting in the Two Areas and had received a message from Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the Sovereign Council in Sudan, regarding the attacks.
The South Sudanese president and SPLM leader said he raised the issue with his former comrade Abdel Aziz al-Hilu who confirmed the attacks saying that “certain parties were provoking them, attempting to draw them into the fight”.
“I advised him against falling into an unknown trap. The Nuba Mountains and the Blue Nile issue remain unresolved matters from the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that necessitate the involvement of the government in Khartoum for further discussions. Fortunately, he listened, and as a result, the fighting in the Blue Nile and Nuba Mountains has ceased,” Kiir stressed.
The SPLM-N al-Hilu has not issued a statement regarding the attacks. However, some in Sudan interpreted the operation as an undeclared alliance with the paramilitary forces, despite Al-Hilu’s past criticism of them. Others speculated that Al-Hilu aimed to strengthen his position in future peace talks by controlling more territories.
Following the fall of the former regime, the Sudanese transitional government and the SPLM-N declared a unilateral cessation of hostilities, which they regularly renewed. The South Sudanese government also mediated a peace process between the two parties. However, the talks were suspended following the coup d’état that toppled the transitional civilian cabinet.
Kiir expressed concern about reported attacks and robberies targeting individuals fleeing war-torn Sudan. He directed the governors, county commissioners, division commanders, and security forces to collaborate closely and put an end to such activities.
“If these incidents are indeed occurring, they must cease. We have received reports from foreign diplomats and international organizations like the United Nations, who have been informed of such incidents by the affected individuals. Let us work together to ensure their safety and security.”
Furthermore, Kiir instructed the governors to enhance security measures at the border crossing areas with Sudan to prevent infiltration and the movement of hostile forces into unoccupied border regions.
(ST)