Kadugli – Sudan Now | May 10, 2026
Armed clashes within the ranks of the SPLM-N, led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu, have resulted in the burning of several villages and homes in areas surrounding Kauda in South Kordofan State, according to video footage circulated on social media.
The footage, some of which was verified by «Sudan Now», showed flames engulfing homes and civilian property amid widespread panic among local residents, while local sources reported that large numbers of families had fled to neighboring areas to escape the fighting.
Local sources said the clashes erupted against the backdrop of escalating tensions between groups from the “Otoro” and “Shawaya” communities, amid disputes related to land ownership and border demarcation within areas controlled by the SPLM-N.
Activists and community leaders circulated statements and posts accusing the SPLM-N leadership of interfering in communal disputes of a social and tribal nature, arguing that land and border issues in the Nuba Mountains region have traditionally been managed through customary practices and native administrations rather than military or political decisions.
Some posts also raised concerns over mining projects and economic influence within the area; however, these claims could not be independently verified at the time of publication.
SPLM-N acknowledged in an official statement that internal clashes had taken place, accusing a group of officers affiliated with the “Otoro” community of rebelling against the command of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army and attacking its forces. The movement said it was handling the situation in accordance with the SPLA Law of 2018.
The SPLM-N also urged residents of the area to stay away from the sites of the clashes, as concerns continue to mount over a worsening humanitarian situation amid ongoing displacement and disruptions to communication services in some of the affected areas.
Several areas in the Nuba Mountains region have witnessed recurring tensions in recent months linked to disputes over land ownership and border demarcation among a number of local communities.
In 2022, the regional administration affiliated with the SPLM-N organized a conference for native administrations in the town of Heiban to discuss border demarcation issues and intercommunal tensions. However, disputes persisted in some areas before recently escalating into armed confrontations within the ranks of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army itself.
