Fall of Kauda, Al-Hilu’s Stronghold

Sources revealed on Monday that a group described by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) as “rebels” had taken control of the town of Kauda, the armed movement’s stronghold, and expelled the local administration.

Disputes over border demarcation between the Shawaya and Otoro tribes in Kauda and surrounding areas escalated into armed clashes. The SPLM-N classified leaders from the Otoro tribe who rejected the demarcation measures as “rebels.”

On 8 May, the SPLM-N acknowledged conducting military operations in areas inhabited by the Otoro tribe, stating that the operations targeted the pursuit of “rebel” elements.

Local sources told Sudan Tribune that the group that had rebelled against the SPLM-N leadership, and which belongs to the Otoro ethnic group, had largely taken control of Kauda and expelled the local administration.

The sources said the opposing group set fire to the homes of government officials, including the residence of SPLM-N Secretary-General Ammar Amon Daldoum, who also serves as Foreign Minister in the government aligned with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia.

They added that the destruction also targeted the residence of Acting Governor of the Nuba Mountains Region Daoud Isaiah, in addition to vandalising the government’s headquarters, several churches, and the offices of local organisations.

The sources further indicated that all mediation efforts aimed at defusing the situation had failed, including an initiative by leaders from South Sudan, which called for easing tensions and initiating dialogue with local communities in the Nuba Mountains to reach a mutually acceptable agreement on tribal boundary demarcation.