The SPLM-N kills two detainees and arrests five others

The Atoro tribe accused a force from the SPLM-N of shooting and killing two civilians who were being held at the Mendi garrison on September 18. They also reported the arrest of five others in the Mendi and Umm Dulu areas, who were taken to an unknown location.

The tribe’s chief, Kuku al-Daqir Damjala, stated that the two killed were Anas Daldoum Ali and Khader Qaidoum Hilal. The list of those arrested included Saleh Hassan Kabashi, Youssef Hassan Karour, Al-Nour al-Masiri, Ibrahim Ali Idris, and medical worker Kamal Malak.

The chief condemned the continued arrests and killings targeting Atoro tribesmen based on their tribal affiliation, considering it a violation of the right to life, liberty, and security, and a threat to civil peace and the peace process in the region.

The tribe demanded an independent and transparent investigation into the incidents, the immediate disclosure of the fate of the detainees and guarantees for their safety, as well as the determination of legal responsibility for the deaths of the detainees and the prosecution of those involved. It also condemned the tribal incitement on social media, affirming its right to pursue legal action against anyone found to be involved in inciting violence or targeting civilians.

The tribe called on all parties to adhere to the ceasefire and allow space for peaceful initiatives to address the crisis, thereby preserving lives, maintaining civil peace, and preventing the escalation of violence.

Since last March, Kauda has witnessed escalating tensions between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) and the Atoro people. These tensions began with disputes over the demarcation of tribal boundaries and developed into armed clashes, culminating in July and August within the town.