HEIBAN –The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) has denied allegations that it is targeting members of the Atoro community, saying its military operations in Heiban County are directed solely at individuals who took part in what it described as an armed mutiny against the movement.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the SPLM-N said recent media campaigns and social media posts had sought to portray the fighting in South Kordofan as a tribal conflict, rejecting what it described as misinformation and incitement aimed at fueling ethnic tensions.
The movement said it distinguishes between tribal communities and individuals accused of participating in the recent violence, stressing that it has “no problem with the Atoro as a tribe” and that its actions are directed only against those who rebelled, attacked official institutions and security positions, and were involved in killings, kidnappings and the burning of homes.
The statement follows days of fighting in Heiban County, where clashes between SPLM-N forces and an armed faction led to reports of civilian displacement and heightened tensions in parts of the Nuba Mountains. The violence has also prompted growing concern over the spread of inflammatory rhetoric on social media.
The SPLM-N urged civilians to avoid areas where armed groups are operating and move to safer locations where humanitarian assistance and basic services can be provided. It also rejected online calls for the expulsion of the Atoro community from Delami County, saying such appeals do not reflect the values of the Nuba people or the position of local institutions.
The movement said many of the reports circulating online originated from outside Sudan and were based on inaccurate information or tribal and personal motives, urging residents to reject hate speech and allow the relevant institutions to restore security and stability.
