The United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) expressed its concerns over the recent developments in South Kordofan. The region has seen numerous attacks by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), led by Abdul Aziz al-Hilu, on various locations in South Kordofan. Earlier reports discussed the SPLM-N’s takeover of several military posts belonging to the army.
Mubarak Ardol, a leader of the pro-coup Democratic Bloc Alliance, revealed last June that since the war began in April, the SPLM-N had attacked more than 15 military posts in South Kordofan. They successfully took control of the majority of these, while the rest repelled their attempts. He hinted at coordination between the SPLM-N and the Rapid Support Forces militia.
Sudan Tribune quoted the Sudanese army spokesman Nabil Abdullah on Tuesday saying that the armed forces had repelled a force from the SPLM-N that attacked the Al-Karkul region, forcing them to retreat. However, military sources in Kadugli reported to the same site that SPLM-N forces had seized control of an army post in a town located on the national highway connecting Kadugli and Dalanj cities. Their forces blocked the national road, preventing vehicles carrying civilians from passing between the cities of North and South Kordofan.
In its statement today, UNITAMS urged all relevant forces to immediately cease all military operations in order to calm the situation and prevent the conflict from escalating. It called for a resumption of negotiations and reminded all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, which guarantee the safety of all civilians.
UNITAMS reaffirmed its commitment to support efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict throughout Sudan.
Violent fighting broke out between the army and the Rapid Support Forces in the capital Khartoum and other cities on April 15. Initially, the SPLM-N, led by Abdul Aziz al-Hilu, was relatively distant from the events and restricted by a ceasefire agreement. However, it subsequently carried out several attacks and took over several locations.
