Kauda, April 02 (Darfur24)
Security tensions are escalating in the Atoro area of Kauda, a stronghold of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), amid growing military mobilization and fears of renewed clashes over a disputed border demarcation.
Sources told Darfur24 that forces have been mobilizing toward Atoro from multiple directions, including from Heiban in the north, areas west of Debi, and the southeastern side toward Kauda, reflecting heightened military readiness. SPLA forces have also been deployed inside Kauda town, raising concerns of further escalation.
The tensions follow clashes in mid-March between SPLM-N forces and local fighters from the area who were against the border demarcation decisions. Efforts by the movement to contain the crisis, including forming three committees to engage residents, were reportedly rejected.
Sources also said the movement’s leadership issued arrest orders for eight officers from the area, who refused to comply.
Attempts by regional officials, including Nuba Mountains governor Jagod Makwar Marada, to hold talks with community members have so far failed after residents declined to attend a planned meeting.
An SPLM-N leader, speaking anonymously, denied the existence of active clashes or splits within the movement, but acknowledged internal disagreements between the Chief of Staff and commanders from Atoro, particularly over the army’s role in enforcing border demarcation.
The dispute traces back to outcomes of the 2022 Heiban Conference on land issues, which included border demarcation measures. However, the issue remains highly contested, with recent violence in the Atoro area—particularly in Debi village—leaving dozens dead and deepening local tensions.