Kauda, August 29 (Darfur24)
The city of Kauda in South Kordofan State witnessed a large public march on Saturday in support of a peace initiative by Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, calling for an end to fighting and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The march brought together members of the Women’s Union and Youth Union, veterans and local administration leaders, reflecting support among sections of the Atoro community for peace, dialogue and an end to hostilities.
A participant told Darfur24 that Atoro elders expressed support for any serious initiative aimed at ending bloodshed, promoting peace, uniting the Nuba people and resolving differences through dialogue.
He said participants praised efforts by SPLM-North Deputy Chairman and Governor of the Nuba Mountains region, Jagod Makwar Marada, to contain the crisis and advance peace. They also welcomed initiatives by the Council of Churches and Islamic Council aimed at reaching a peaceful and sustainable settlement.
The demonstrators called on all communities in Heiban locality to support peace and dialogue and prevent efforts to undermine peace initiatives or deepen divisions among the Nuba people.
Atoro Accuses SPLM-North of Ceasefire Violations
Atoro tribal chief Kuku al-Daqir Damjala accused the SPLM-North of violating the ceasefire, saying the movement’s activities on the ground raised concerns about its commitment to the truce and threatened civilian safety and regional stability.
In a statement, he said SPLM-North forces shelled a gas station on August 27, injuring 28 people who were working to clear a farm near the facility.
He further alleged that movement members attacked and looted shops on August 28 before moving towards the headquarters of the “Smarten” organization. Clashes reportedly broke out after forces stationed at the site confronted the attackers.
The clashes left a 45-year-old civilian, Kajir Othman al-Amin, injured while she was in the Al-Jabraka area, according to the statement. She was transferred to hospital for treatment.
The Atoro leadership condemned the alleged violations and called for an immediate halt to military movements that breach the ceasefire, an independent investigation into reported violations, and accountability for those found responsible.
It warned that continued violations could undermine peace efforts, weaken public confidence and push the region towards further escalation.
The Atoro tribe reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire and cessation of hostilities while maintaining what it described as its right to respond within the law to protect civilians and prevent looting.
Kauda, in Heiban locality, has experienced tensions since March following disputes over tribal boundaries. The tensions later escalated into clashes between the SPLM-North and members of the Atoro tribe, whom the movement describes as “rebels.”
Darfur24 could not independently verify the allegations made by the Atoro leadership regarding the reported ceasefire violations and casualties.