SPLM-N al-Hilu denies alliance with Sudanese army against RSF
Juba, Sudan – January 29, 2024 – Adel Chaloka, Secretary of Youth and Students of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) led by Abdel Aziz Al-Hilu, has denied the existence of any alliance between the movement and the Sudanese army in South Kordofan State against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
This denial comes in response to statements made by Yasser Al-Atta, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Army, who confirmed the existence of such an alliance.
Shaloka dismissed Al-Atta’s claims as an attempt to boost morale among Sudanese army troops by falsely suggesting an alliance with the SPLM-N against the RSF. He reiterated that the SPLM-N is fundamentally opposed to war and cannot be party to any conflict.
In September 2023, Sudan Tribune reported on a meeting held in Asmara between Sudan’s army commander Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and SPLM-N leader Abdel Aziz Al-Hilu to explore the possibility of joining forces against the RSF. However, both sides initially denied the meeting’s existence until Al-Atta’s recent confirmation.
Shaloka highlighted the distinct ideological and operational differences between the SPLM-N, the Sudanese army, and the RSF, making an alliance between them highly unlikely. He emphasized that the SPLM-N’s goals and combat doctrine are incompatible with those of the Sudanese army and RSF.
Shaloka criticized the Sudanese army’s excessive militarization of South Kordofan, citing the presence of over 150 garrisons and two divisions. He accused the army of consistently rejecting the legitimate demands of Sudanese citizens, including those championed by the SPLM-N, and obstructing efforts towards peace under the government of former Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok.
Instead of reducing its military presence and promoting peace, the Sudanese army has intensified its mobilization and expanded its garrisons in South Kordofan during the period 2020-2022, he said.
Chaloka also condemned the army’s provocations against SPLM-N forces, including the killing of an SPLM-N member near Kadugli and the murder of another officer in New Tagli, along with the refusal to hand over the body.
(ST)