Thousands flee fierce fighting in South Kordofan

Armed men reportedly affiliated with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) under the leadership of Abdelaziz El Hilu launched an attack on Habila in South Kordofan and allegedly took control of the town on Friday. Over 3,000 people fled to the area north of Habila, near Kartala. At least 12 people were killed in tribal clashes in El Teital village in Habila locality on Friday and Saturday. 

People fleeing the Habila told journalist Abdelrahim Kunda that forces affiliated with the SPLM-N El Hilu on Friday surrounded the town – which has been under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since January 4. Heavy gunfire continued until Saturday. 

Currently, it is not possible to verify which side controls the town, said Kunda. Reports on social media said that the rebel movement took control of Habila and the area around Fayu, south of Habila, which was also under RSF control. 

Radio Dabanga was unable to reach the SPLM-N or RSF for comment. 

More than 3,000 people, mainly women, children, and elderly, fled from the town. They told Radio Dabanga that they are now living in extremely critical humanitarian conditions in schools and outside near Kartala. 

The displaced appealed to humanitarian organisations to intervene urgently to provide food, blankets, and medicines. 

In El Teital village, seven people were killed on Friday, and five more were killed on Saturday. The entire village burned down. 

Survivors of the attack in El Teital village told Radio Dabanga that fierce fighting took place between shepherds and residents of El Teital last week. They fled the area to the hills. 

After the RSF took control of Habila in January, more than 15,000 people fled and sought refuge in areas controlled by the SPLM-N El Hilu. 

On January 27, people living in Kartala and surrounding areas reported to Radio Dabanga that they feared possible attacks by the RSF. 

Last year, the SPLM-N El Hilu launched attacks on army bases in the South Kordofan capital of Kadugli, and the area of Dalami in July and August. In December, rebel fighters clashed with RSF paramilitaries in the vicinity of Delling.