Introduction

The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–North (SPLM-N) is a Sudanese political and armed movement that emerged in 2011 following the independence of South Sudan. Based primarily in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, the movement has played a central role in Sudan’s political and military landscape through armed conflict, peace negotiations and constitutional debates.

Led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu, SPLM-N advocates political reforms centred on equal citizenship, decentralization, constitutional change and the relationship between religion and the state. The movement has participated in multiple rounds of negotiations with successive Sudanese governments while maintaining military forces in areas under its influence.

Since the outbreak of the Sudan war in April 2023, SPLM-N has remained an influential actor in Sudan’s evolving political and security landscape. This guide examines the movement’s origins, history, leadership, political vision, military structure, peace negotiations and role in contemporary Sudan.

Overview

The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–North (SPLM-N) was established after the secession of South Sudan in 2011. It evolved from the northern sector of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), whose members remained in Sudan after the creation of the Republic of South Sudan.

The movement operates primarily in South Kordofan, particularly the Nuba Mountains, and in parts of Blue Nile State. Alongside its political organization, SPLM-N maintains an armed wing known as the Sudan People’s Liberation Army–North (SPLA-N).

Over the years, the movement has combined military operations with political engagement, participating in regional and international peace initiatives while promoting constitutional reform and political restructuring within Sudan.

Origins

The roots of SPLM-N can be traced to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), founded in 1983 under the leadership of Dr. John Garang during Sudan’s second civil war. The SPLM sought to transform Sudan through a political vision known as the “New Sudan,” which emphasized equal citizenship, democratic governance and national unity.

The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), signed in 2005, ended the second civil war and established a six-year interim period leading to the independence referendum in Southern Sudan. When South Sudan became independent on 9 July 2011, SPLM members living in Sudan reorganized themselves as the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–North.

The newly established movement inherited political networks and military structures operating in South Kordofan and Blue Nile, where disagreements over security arrangements, political representation and implementation of the CPA soon contributed to renewed conflict.

Historical Background

The formation of SPLM-N reflected unresolved issues that remained after South Sudan’s independence. While the CPA addressed the political future of Southern Sudan, questions concerning South Kordofan and Blue Nile—including governance, security arrangements and political representation—remained contested.

Armed conflict resumed in South Kordofan in 2011 and later spread to parts of Blue Nile. Over the following years, SPLM-N became one of Sudan’s principal armed and political movements, combining military activities with participation in peace initiatives facilitated by regional and international mediators.

The movement’s development has been closely linked to broader debates concerning Sudan’s constitutional future, decentralization, religion and the structure of the Sudanese state.

Leadership

Since 2017, SPLM-N has been led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu, following an internal leadership dispute that resulted in a split within the movement. Al-Hilu assumed leadership after disagreements over political strategy, negotiations with the Sudanese government and the movement’s vision for Sudan’s future.

Under his leadership, SPLM-N has maintained both political and military structures while continuing to advocate constitutional reform, secular governance and equal citizenship. The movement has participated in several regional and international mediation efforts while retaining control over areas in South Kordofan.

The leadership structure also includes political, military and administrative bodies responsible for governance, diplomacy and public affairs within territories administered by the movement.

Abdelaziz al-Hilu

Abdelaziz Adam al-Hilu is one of Sudan’s longest-serving rebel leaders and has played a central role in the SPLM since the 1980s. Following South Sudan’s independence, he became one of the principal founders of SPLM-N and later its chairman.

Al-Hilu has consistently argued that Sudan requires a new constitutional framework based on equal citizenship regardless of religion or ethnicity. His position on the relationship between religion and the state has remained one of the defining issues in negotiations with successive Sudanese governments.

As chairman of SPLM-N, Al-Hilu oversees the movement’s political strategy, peace negotiations and military command through the Sudan People’s Liberation Army–North (SPLA-N).

Organizational Structure

SPLM-N combines political, military and civilian institutions within its organizational framework. The movement is headed by its Chairman and supported by a leadership council responsible for strategic decision-making.

Its political wing manages public policy, diplomacy, negotiations and relations with civil society, while the military wing oversees security and defence operations in areas under the movement’s control.

The organization also administers civilian structures in territories under its influence, including local governance, education, health services and humanitarian coordination, although the extent of these institutions varies according to security conditions.

Political Vision

SPLM-N advocates a political vision centred on democratic governance, equal citizenship and constitutional reform. The movement argues that Sudan should be governed through a civic state in which citizenship, rather than religion, ethnicity or regional identity, forms the basis of political rights.

The movement also supports decentralization and greater autonomy for Sudan’s regions, arguing that long-standing political and economic inequalities have contributed to recurring conflicts.

Its political programme draws heavily on the concept of the “New Sudan,” first articulated by SPLM founder Dr. John Garang, while adapting that vision to Sudan following the independence of South Sudan.

Military Wing

The Sudan People’s Liberation Army–North (SPLA-N) serves as the armed wing of SPLM-N. It operates primarily in South Kordofan, particularly the Nuba Mountains, and in parts of Blue Nile State.

SPLA-N emerged from military units of the original Sudan People’s Liberation Army that remained in Sudan following South Sudan’s independence in 2011. Since then, it has remained engaged in armed confrontations at various stages with Sudanese government forces.

Alongside its military role, SPLA-N has been involved in ceasefire arrangements, humanitarian access discussions and security negotiations facilitated by regional and international mediators during different phases of the conflict.

Areas of Operation

SPLM-N operates primarily in South Kordofan, particularly the Nuba Mountains, and in parts of Blue Nile State. These areas have remained the movement’s principal political and military strongholds since its establishment in 2011.

The movement administers varying levels of civilian governance in areas under its influence, including local administration, education, healthcare and humanitarian coordination. The extent of these administrative functions has changed over time in response to security conditions and developments on the ground.

Kauda, located in South Kordofan, has long served as the movement’s principal political and administrative centre and has hosted meetings with humanitarian organizations, diplomats and international mediators.

Political Objectives

SPLM-N states that its primary objective is to establish a democratic, inclusive and decentralized Sudan based on equal citizenship and the rule of law. The movement argues that political rights should not depend on religion, ethnicity, region or cultural identity.

Among its principal objectives are constitutional reform, federal governance, equitable distribution of national resources, protection of cultural diversity and guarantees for fundamental rights and freedoms.

The movement has consistently advocated separating religion from the state, describing secular governance as essential to achieving lasting peace and equal citizenship. This position has remained one of the central issues in negotiations with successive Sudanese governments.

Governance in Areas Under Its Influence

In territories where SPLM-N exercises administrative authority, the movement has established civilian institutions responsible for local governance and public services. These institutions have included administrative councils, education departments, healthcare facilities and local judicial mechanisms.

According to the movement, these structures aim to provide essential services to local communities despite the challenges posed by prolonged conflict and limited resources. Humanitarian organizations operating in these areas have also coordinated with local authorities to facilitate the delivery of assistance where access has been possible.

The scale and effectiveness of these governance structures have varied over time, depending on security conditions, humanitarian access and available resources.

Relations with Other Political and Armed Actors

SPLM-N has maintained complex relationships with successive Sudanese governments, armed movements and civilian political groups. At different stages, the movement has engaged in armed conflict, ceasefire arrangements, political dialogue and peace negotiations.

Its relationships with other Sudanese actors have evolved in response to changing political and military developments. In some periods, SPLM-N has coordinated with other opposition movements through political alliances, while at other times it has pursued independent negotiations.

Since the outbreak of the Sudan war in April 2023, the movement has continued to participate in political initiatives while maintaining its own organizational and military structures.

Support Base

SPLM-N draws much of its support from communities in South Kordofan, particularly the Nuba Mountains, as well as parts of Blue Nile State. The movement states that it represents communities seeking greater political participation, constitutional reform and equitable development.

Political analysts note that the movement’s support is closely linked to its historical presence in conflict-affected areas and its long-standing advocacy for decentralization and equal citizenship. At the same time, levels of support and political influence vary across different regions and communities.

As with many political and armed movements operating in conflict environments, assessments of SPLM-N’s influence differ among governments, researchers, international organizations and the movement itself.

Peace Negotiations

Since its establishment in 2011, SPLM-N has participated in multiple rounds of peace negotiations with successive Sudanese governments under the mediation of regional and international actors. These negotiations have focused on ceasefires, humanitarian access, political reform, constitutional arrangements and security issues in South Kordofan and Blue Nile.

Mediation efforts have been facilitated by organizations including the African Union (AU), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the Republic of South Sudan. While several temporary agreements and declarations have been reached over the years, many core political issues have remained unresolved.

The movement has maintained that a sustainable peace requires addressing the underlying causes of conflict, including governance, citizenship, constitutional reform and the relationship between religion and the state.

Relationship with the Sudanese Government

Relations between SPLM-N and successive Sudanese governments have alternated between armed confrontation and political dialogue. Since 2011, periods of military conflict have been interspersed with negotiations aimed at achieving ceasefires and broader political settlements.

Successive governments have differed in their approaches to the movement, ranging from military operations to direct negotiations and participation in transitional political processes. Key issues in these discussions have included security arrangements, constitutional reform, decentralization and the future governance of conflict-affected regions.

Despite repeated negotiations, many of these issues remain unresolved and continue to influence relations between the movement and the Sudanese state.

Relationship with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF)

SPLM-N has maintained a complex relationship with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), involving both armed confrontation and periods of negotiated ceasefires. Military clashes have occurred primarily in South Kordofan and Blue Nile since 2011.

At various stages, both parties have participated in internationally mediated negotiations addressing humanitarian access, ceasefire arrangements and long-term political solutions. The nature of the relationship has continued to evolve in response to developments in Sudan’s broader political and security environment.

Relationship with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)

Relations between SPLM-N and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have evolved over time in response to Sudan’s changing political and military landscape. Following the outbreak of the Sudan war in April 2023, interactions between the two groups became an important subject of political and diplomatic attention.

The movement has engaged in political discussions and initiatives involving multiple Sudanese actors. These engagements have generated differing interpretations among political observers, government officials and the parties involved, reflecting the complexity of Sudan’s evolving conflict dynamics.

Role During the Sudan War (2023–Present)

Since the outbreak of armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in April 2023, SPLM-N has remained an influential political and military actor.

The movement has continued to administer areas under its influence while participating in political consultations concerning Sudan’s future. It has also maintained contacts with regional and international actors involved in mediation efforts.

Developments involving SPLM-N during the ongoing conflict continue to evolve. The movement’s political positions, alliances and negotiations have reflected the broader changes taking place within Sudan’s political landscape.

The Nairobi Declaration

In 2025, SPLM-N participated in the Nairobi Declaration alongside other Sudanese political and armed actors. The declaration outlined a shared political framework addressing governance, constitutional principles, civilian protection and the future structure of the Sudanese state.

Supporters described the declaration as an effort to establish a common political vision among participating groups. Critics, including the Sudanese government, expressed concerns regarding its implications for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The declaration became an important reference point in Sudan’s evolving political dialogue and remains a subject of debate among policymakers, researchers and political actors.

Ta’sis Alliance

SPLM-N is among the participants in the Ta’sis Alliance, a political coalition established during Sudan’s ongoing conflict to promote a common political framework among its members.

The alliance brings together political organizations, armed movements and civilian actors with differing backgrounds and objectives. According to participating groups, its purpose is to coordinate political efforts aimed at addressing Sudan’s governance crisis and supporting a future political transition.

The composition, objectives and political influence of the alliance continue to evolve as Sudan’s political and military situation develops.

Humanitarian Situation

Communities living in areas affected by the conflict involving SPLM-N have experienced significant humanitarian challenges for more than a decade. Armed conflict, displacement, limited infrastructure and restrictions on humanitarian access have affected access to healthcare, education, food security and other essential services.

United Nations agencies, international humanitarian organizations and local civil society groups have provided assistance in affected areas where security conditions and access permit. Humanitarian operations have often been influenced by changing frontlines, logistical constraints and administrative requirements imposed by different authorities.

International organizations have repeatedly called for safe, sustained and unhindered humanitarian access to civilians in conflict-affected areas of South Kordofan and Blue Nile, regardless of which party exercises control on the ground.

Human Rights

The conflict involving SPLM-N has been accompanied by allegations of violations of international humanitarian law and human rights by multiple parties to the conflict.

United Nations bodies, independent human rights organizations and humanitarian agencies have documented concerns including attacks affecting civilians, displacement, restrictions on humanitarian access and damage to civilian infrastructure. Different parties to the conflict have rejected or disputed various allegations made against them.

Because of the complexity of the conflict, international organizations continue to call for independent investigations, accountability for violations and greater protection for civilians.

International Relations

SPLM-N has engaged with a range of regional and international actors through peace negotiations, humanitarian discussions and political consultations.

The movement has participated in mediation processes facilitated by the African Union (AU), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the Republic of South Sudan. Representatives of the movement have also met officials from the United Nations, diplomatic missions and international humanitarian organizations.

While SPLM-N is recognized as an important participant in Sudan’s political and security landscape, governments and international organizations differ in their assessments of the movement’s political role and future participation in peace processes.

Criticism and Controversies

Throughout its history, SPLM-N has faced criticism from successive Sudanese governments, political opponents and some observers regarding its continued reliance on armed struggle, its political positions and its participation in military confrontations.

The movement has also been criticized over the humanitarian consequences of prolonged conflict in areas where it operates. In response, SPLM-N has argued that the root causes of the conflict lie in longstanding political exclusion, unequal development and unresolved constitutional questions.

Independent analysts generally note that responsibility for Sudan’s conflicts involves multiple actors and that understanding the role of SPLM-N requires examining the broader political and historical context of the country’s armed conflicts.

Timeline

1983 – The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) is founded under Dr. John Garang.

2005 – The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) ends Sudan’s second civil war.

2011 – South Sudan becomes independent, and SPLM-N is established in Sudan.

2011 – Armed conflict resumes in South Kordofan.

2011 – Fighting later expands into Blue Nile State.

2017 – Abdelaziz al-Hilu becomes Chairman of SPLM-N following an internal split.

2019 – SPLM-N participates in discussions following Sudan’s political transition.

2020–2022 – The movement engages in negotiations with Sudan’s transitional authorities.

2023 – Sudan’s nationwide conflict begins between the SAF and the RSF, reshaping the political landscape.

2025 – SPLM-N participates in the Nairobi Declaration and later joins the Ta’sis Alliance.

Legacy and Significance

SPLM-N remains one of Sudan’s most influential political and armed movements. Since its establishment, it has played a central role in debates concerning constitutional reform, decentralization, equal citizenship and the future structure of the Sudanese state.

Its influence extends beyond military developments, reflecting its participation in peace negotiations, political dialogue and governance in areas under its administration. The movement continues to shape discussions on Sudan’s future political settlement and remains an important stakeholder in national and international mediation efforts.

As Sudan’s political and security environment continues to evolve, the role of SPLM-N is likely to remain significant in discussions concerning peace, governance and constitutional reform.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does SPLM-N stand for?

SPLM-N stands for the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–North, a Sudanese political and armed movement established in 2011 following the independence of South Sudan.

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When was SPLM-N founded?

SPLM-N was established in 2011 after members of the original Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) who remained in Sudan formed a separate organization.

 

Who leads SPLM-N?

SPLM-N is led by Abdelaziz Adam al-Hilu, who became chairman of the movement in 2017.

 

Where does SPLM-N operate?

The movement primarily operates in South Kordofan, particularly the Nuba Mountains, and in parts of Blue Nile State.

 

What is SPLA-N?

The Sudan People’s Liberation Army–North (SPLA-N) is the armed wing of SPLM-N.

 

What are the movement’s main political objectives?

SPLM-N advocates democratic governance, equal citizenship, constitutional reform, decentralization and a secular state.

 

What is the “New Sudan” vision?

The “New Sudan” is a political concept first introduced by Dr. John Garang, promoting a democratic and inclusive Sudan based on equal citizenship rather than ethnic, regional or religious identity.

 

Did SPLM-N sign the Juba Peace Agreement?

No. SPLM-N led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu did not sign the 2020 Juba Peace Agreement.

 

Has SPLM-N participated in peace negotiations?

Yes. The movement has participated in multiple rounds of negotiations with successive Sudanese governments under regional and international mediation.

 

Is SPLM-N involved in the current Sudan conflict?

SPLM-N remains an important political and military actor during Sudan’s ongoing conflict while pursuing its own political agenda and participating in political initiatives.

Sources

This guide is based on publicly available information from:

• Official statements by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–North (SPLM-N)

• Government of Sudan statements

• United Nations (UN)

• African Union (AU)

• Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)

• International Crisis Group (ICG)

• Small Arms Survey

• Rift Valley Institute

• Human Rights Watch (HRW)

• Amnesty International

• SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute)

• Chatham House

• United States Institute of Peace (USIP)

• Encyclopaedia Britannica

• Academic books and peer-reviewed research on Sudan’s political history

Further Reading

• Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA)

• Juba Peace Agreement

• Sudan Conflict Timeline

• Sudan War Explained

• South Kordofan

• Blue Nile

• Kauda

• Abdelaziz al-Hilu

– Sudan War Explained
– Who are the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)?
– Who is Abdel Fattah al-Burhan?
– Who is Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti)?
– Sudan Conflict Timeline
– Sudan Humanitarian Crisis
– Sudan Economy
– History of Sudan