Kauda, September 04 (Darfur24)
Escalating violence in the Kauda area of South Kordofan has killed 453 people, displaced about 53,000, and led to the arrest of 710 others, including 45 humanitarian workers, since March, according to humanitarian sources who spoke to Darfur24.
The sources said the displacement followed the killing of hundreds of people, the burning of 97 villages, and forced displacement, driving tens of thousands of civilians into displacement camps amid growing needs for food, medicine and shelter.
About 53,000 displaced people are currently sheltering in five camps: Kujur Al-Shaabiya, Kujama Al-Kubra, Dalir, Lagolo and Kumbra Al-Kubra. The sources described the humanitarian situation as extremely critical, particularly for newborns, mothers, older people and persons with disabilities.
The humanitarian crisis has unfolded alongside continued military clashes and allegations of looting of civilian property and agricultural produce.
In the latest incident, Koko Al-Daqir Damjala, chief of the Atoro tribe, said in a statement published Thursday that a military force comprising combat vehicles, motorcycles and infantry, led by Captain Idris Qutya, attacked farms in the Jabal Oqo area at about 5 a.m. and looted crops before withdrawing.
Damjala also said a separate force of three combat vehicles belonging to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), led by Captain Mustafa Hajir, entered Kauda on September 1 and attempted to loot several homes. The force later clashed with Atoro youths before withdrawing to its positions, he said.
He called on all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians, their property and livelihoods, warning that military operations in civilian areas threaten security and stability and undermine prospects for peace.
Damjala said a credible peace process requires an actual cessation of hostilities, political will and respect for human rights and dignity. He also reaffirmed the Atoro community’s commitment to peaceful dialogue with all parties.
Kauda, in Heiban locality, has experienced escalating tensions since March. The violence initially stemmed from disputes over border demarcation between communities before developing into clashes between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) and members of the Atoro tribe, whom the movement describes as “rebels.”
Violence and displacement have intensified in recent months, with more villages reportedly burned and thousands of civilians fleeing to camps with limited access to necessities, raising fears of further escalation and a worsening humanitarian crisis.