KAUDA – A leaked audio recording, which sources said features Jagoud Mekwar Murada, Deputy Chairman of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) and Chief of Staff of the SPLA-N, has revealed deep divisions within the movement’s military and political leadership following recent fighting in Kauda and Luwairi, raising concerns over a possible new split.
In the recording, Jagoud is heard discussing the movement’s response to the recent clashes and criticizing the handling of forces that took control of Luwairi, while accusing some military commanders of contributing to the escalation of the crisis and abuses against civilians.
According to the recording, Jagoud said he had informed SPLM-N Chairman Abdelaziz al-Hilu of the need to convene a leadership meeting to address the deteriorating situation, adding that he proceeded with the meeting on the assumption that the chairman’s silence amounted to approval. He warned that the current course of events threatens the movement’s unity and future.
He stressed the need to adhere to the SPLM-N’s constitution and institutional decision-making, warning that bypassing the movement’s leadership structures could ultimately lead to an internal split.
Jagoud also condemned what he described as violations committed during military operations in areas under the movement’s control, including the killing of civilians, looting of property and the burning of villages. He warned that such actions contradict the movement’s stated objectives and could expose its leaders to international accountability.
He added that photographs and videos documenting the alleged abuses had reached international organizations, including the United Nations, which he said had shown growing interest in developments inside SPLM-N-controlled areas.
Jagoud called for the withdrawal of forces from Luwairi, an end to the internal fighting and the creation of conditions for dialogue among the movement’s rival factions. He argued that a military solution would not resolve the crisis and said protecting civilians, facilitating the return of displaced people and ensuring humanitarian access should be the immediate priorities.
Another speaker heard in the recording, believed by sources to be a senior SPLM-N official, endorsed Jagoud’s position and blamed field commanders for escalating the crisis by deploying additional troops and military equipment to Luwairi instead of seeking to contain the confrontation.
The recording emerged amid growing tensions within SPLM-N following the fighting in Kauda, where internal disputes that initially centered on local security and command issues have evolved into a broader political and military crisis.
The movement has recently faced one of its most serious internal challenges after armed groups opposed to Abdelaziz al-Hilu announced they had seized Kauda and Luwairi, long regarded as the movement’s main stronghold in South Kordofan. The clashes have resulted in casualties, civilian displacement and competing narratives over responsibility for the violence.
Sudan Now contacted several SPLM-N officials for comment on the leaked recording and its contents, but they declined to comment by the time of publication.
