Behind the news: Dilling… the right alliance
By: Muhammad Wada’a
Abdulaziz al-Hilu made the right choice by joining the correct alliance and actively took part in preventing massacres and identity-based killings in Dilling. The Misseriya chief spoke the truth when he warned that if the Babanusa garrison fell into the hands of the Rapid Support, it could lead to the breach of borders, destruction of oil fields, and Sudan’s downfall.
Babu Nimr warns of potential massacres targeting his tribe if the main army leadership in West Darfur state falls. The Misseriya governor, allied with militia and mercenaries from neighboring countries and South Sudan, is attacking his own citizens and tribe in exchange for support in the war. Hemedti has promised the southerners to give up Abyei in return for his control over the Sudan.
In July 2023, the SPLM-North forces, led by Abdel Aziz Al-Hilu, launched an attack on army positions in the Umm Bermbita area of South Kordofan state. This led to heavy fighting between the army and the SPLM, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of civilians who sought refuge in the cities of Abu Karshula (in South Kordofan) and Al-Rahad (in North Kordofan state).
In August 2023, the movement’s forces carried out ambushes and planted mines on Al-Marhal Road in the Khor Al-Warl area of South Kordofan, causing the death of several individuals. This ongoing conflict has resulted in loss of lives among civilians and regular forces, as well as the destruction of military and civilian equipment. In September 2023, the Sudanese army responded to an attack by the forces of the Popular Movement – North, led by Abdel Aziz Al-Hilu, targeting Kadugli – the capital of South Kordofan state. The Sudanese army then expanded its military operations against the rebels, attacking army bases across the region.
The Rapid Support militia launched an attack on the Al-Debaibat garrison on January 4, 2024, resulting in the death of numerous citizens. The attack was marked by treachery, betrayal, and the looting of property. Moreover, the militia perpetrated a massacre in Al-Takma, which is located a hundred kilometers away from Al-Debaibat, targeting individuals based on their identity. This led to the burning of houses and the displacement of survivors. Another instance of violence occurred in the Habila region, where an estimated two hundred unarmed citizens became victims of genocide. On January 9, 2024, the rebel militia launched a major attack on the city of Kadugli, but the combined forces of the army and Al-Hilu successfully repelled the invasion. Amidst the conflict, the Rapid Support Militia instigated discord and aimed to pit tribes against each other.
The warden Abu Nimr, who is in the militia, is now concerned about a potential attack on Babanusa by the Rizeigat, mercenaries, and southerners. These concerns have arisen due to previous leaks and promises made after the war, indicating that Hemedti relinquished control of Abyei to the Dinka after taking charge of the Sudanese state. Even though he is allied with the militia, he wrote to the militia leader requesting to exclude Babanusa from the invasion. He justified this by explaining that if the Babanusa garrison fell into the hands of the Rapid Support, it could lead to the infiltration of Sudan’s borders and the destruction of oil fields. He also warned of potential massacres that might affect their tribe if the main army command in West Darfur state was to fall. This would result in the destruction of petroleum facilities, leading to environmental pollution that would have a negative impact on humans, animals, and plants, just like what happened in the past.
There is a saying that goes, “It is a word of truth but meant for falsehood.” Despite the hopes of the Misseriya chief, the militia will still attempt to attack Babanusa. Abu Nimr will be left standing alone, while the armed forces and the people of Babanusa and its surroundings will remember the governor of the Misseriya as someone who allied with the militia and mercenaries from neighboring countries and South Sudan to attack his own citizens and tribe. His loss of authority will be accompanied by a loss of reputation, as the popular saying goes, “A religious clerk servant is forced to pray.” wise after the event.