Internal split in SLM-TC leads to clashes in El Fasher

For months, the SLM-TC has been grappling with internal disagreements over its stance in the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Some leaders advocate for supporting the army, while others favour neutrality.

These divisions led to a split. A new faction emerged under the leadership of Salah Rasas, who, along with other political and military figures, declared their allegiance to the Sudanese army and readiness to fight the RSF. Meanwhile, the SLM-TC leader, Al-Hadi Idris, maintains a neutral position, refusing to side with either party in the military conflict.

Military sources informed Sudan Tribune that “a group affiliated with the SLM-TC, led by Al-Hadi Idris, was attacked near Abu Shouk camp by a splinter group from the movement led by General Osman Abdel-Jabbar, while withdrawing from El Fasher.” The attack resulted in the deaths of soldiers from both sides.

The Transitional Council’s military spokesperson issued a statement condemning the incident as a “treacherous attack” by armed forces and allied movements on a battalion affiliated with the SLM-TC while on a mission from El Fasher to the Korma military region. He claimed their forces repelled the attack, inflicting losses on the attackers, and successfully reached their destination.

The statement further announced casualties among their ranks and vowed a measured response against the aggressors, emphasizing that they would “pay a heavy price for this sinful and cowardly act.”

In late March, the SLM-TC withdrew from the joint force formed by armed movements that signed the Juba Agreement. They attributed the decision to the “treasonous” defection of a group led by Lieutenant Colonel Abdeen Musa, who sought refuge with the Sudanese army in El Fasher. The SLM-TC considers this a violation of the Juba Agreement and its principles.