Tensions Escalate Between Al-Hilu Forces and Al-Dagalo in the Nuba Mountains

Tensions have escalated in the Nuba Mountains between Al-Hilu militia and the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, amid indications of direct confrontations following a series of scattered clashes that have taken a more dangerous turn in recent days.

Sources reported that the Sudan People’s Liberation Army – North (SPLA-N) intelligence raided Al-Sidair Market near Kajuria and seized quantities of cannabis belonging to a member of the rebel militia. This was followed by the arrest of three of its members and their detention at the 34th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Al-Fitin area.

In a preemptive move, Al-Hilu forces deployed a military police unit in Jumina Market to prevent the situation from escalating, after a member of the rebel militia killed citizen Jumaa Ismail, a native of Dilling, on charges of collaborating with the army, which fueled popular anger and ignited tribal tension.

The clashes were not limited to markets; groups of non-commissioned officers and soldiers in the eastern and western mountains refused to participate in joint training with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, preferring to withdraw from Al-Tura’a camp amid ongoing campaigns of arrests and investigations.