Kadugli, December 29 (Darfur24)
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) said on Sunday that the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–North (SPLM-N), led by Abdel Aziz al-Hilu, is charging fees to people fleeing Kadugli and Dilling in South Kordofan State to allow them to pass through areas under its control.
Civilians said continued threats by the SPLM-N, which is allied with the Rapid Support Forces, to launch ground attacks on Kadugli and Dilling have fueled fear and panic, forcing many families to flee their homes.
Mohammed Ali, one of the IDPs who crossed into SPLM-N-controlled areas, told Darfur24 that the movement demands crossing fees ranging between 50,000 and 100,000 Sudanese pounds per person.
He said the fees are imposed under extremely harsh humanitarian conditions, making displacement from Kadugli and Dilling financially exhausting and beyond the means of most families.
Other sources told Darfur24 that the SPLM-N has prevented a large number of displaced people from leaving areas under its control toward South Sudan or areas controlled by the Sudanese army, without providing clear reasons.
On Friday, the Ayin Network reported that the Popular Movement does not recognize official identification documents and requires displaced civilians to obtain alternative documents as a condition for travel, further increasing the financial burden on those attempting to flee.
Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said that escalating insecurity has triggered a new wave of displacement from Kadugli. According to the organization, 3,100 people were displaced between December 24 and 26, while 1,475 people fled between December 21 and 22, and 745 others between December 18 and 20.
The IOM said displaced families moved toward the localities of Al-Baram, Talodi, Abu Karshola, and Habila in South Kordofan State, as well as Sheikan locality in North Kordofan State and areas of White Nile State, amid severe humanitarian conditions and growing needs for shelter, food, and basic services.
Displaced people said they are using escape routes that lack security and protection.
Osman Omar, an employee at a deportation office, told Darfur24 that while there are several ways to leave Kadugli, all of them are dangerous, physically exhausting, and costly.
He explained that one route runs from Kadugli to Al-Karkal at a cost of 100,000 to 150,000 pounds, then to Qardud Al-Dhakir (30,000 to 50,000 pounds), onward to Sami (around 80,000 pounds), and then to Al-Uba in North Kordofan State before reaching Al-Rahad.
Another route involves traveling collectively by tuk-tuk from Kadugli to Sarf Al-Dhay, with vehicle rental costing 200,000 to 300,000 pounds, shared by five to seven people. From there, displaced people continue to Tisseh and Amsardaba, then to Umm Dulu (about 50,000 pounds) and Ida (around 45,000 pounds).
A third route leads from Kadugli to Miri by tuk-tuk at a cost of 300,000 to 500,000 pounds, depending on fuel availability. Displaced people then continue on foot to Abu Sinun and Al-Baram (around 50,000 pounds), or head directly to Ida at a cost of up to 120,000 pounds.
A fourth route runs from Kadugli to Katcha by tuk-tuk, with the journey costing approximately 850,000 pounds for a group, before continuing to Al-Baram or Ida.
According to Omar, the total cost of displacement from Kadugli to the Yida area, which is under SPLM-N control, averages around 500,000 Sudanese pounds per person, an amount that exceeds the capacity of most civilians and deepens the suffering of families forced to flee amid fear and insecurity.