SPLM-N accuses Sudanese army of initiating attacks in South Kordofan

February 4, 2025 (KADUGLI) – Accusing the Sudanese military of initiating attacks in South Kordofan state, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) on Tuesday rejected army claims that its forces were responsible for a market shelling in Kadugli that resulted in civilian casualties.

The army said on Monday that 44 people died in the market shelling, which it attributed to the SPLM-N. However, Jatiago Amoga Dallman, head of the SPLM-N’s National Liberation Council information committee, told Sudan Tribune that government forces had launched attacks on SPLM-N-controlled areas around Kadugli on Monday, explicitly citing locations in Kiga, Dashoul, Saraf al-Dai, Tulo, and Hajar al-Mak.

Dallman said the SPLA, the SPLM-N’s armed wing, repelled the army’s advance on Hajar al-Mak, forcing them to retreat to Kadugli. He accused the military of seeking to destabilize the region and disrupt humanitarian aid deliveries, noting that the Smarten organization plans to distribute over 800 tons of aid in the area between February 2nd and 18th.

“The SPLM-N controls the road between Kadugli and Dilling and holds the initiative,” Dallman asserted. He added that many civilians have fled Kadugli since last year to seek refuge in SPLM-N-controlled areas.

Dallman further alleged that the army had planted landmines in parts of Kadugli, preventing civilians from leaving, and accused them of forcibly recruiting citizens, including children, for military purposes, which he described as a war crime.

Sanaa Philip Matar, an SPLM-N spokesperson, told Sudan Tribune that the army began shelling their positions at dawn on Monday and attempted to advance. She argued that the group has the right to defend itself against military aggression. Matar also accused the government of using civilians as human shields in Kadugli, obstructing aid deliveries to South Kordofan, and detaining civilians, including children, since January.

The Sudanese army was not immediately available for comment. Sudan Tribune could not independently verify the claims from either side. Fighting in the region has flared periodically despite ongoing peace efforts.