After six weeks of conflict between SAF and the RSF, the SPLM-N began attacking and capturing undermanned and abandoned SAF garrisons in the state’s eastern localities of Rashad and Abu Kershola in late May 2023 (Sudan Akhbar, 2023). By early June, the SPLA-N had moved close to the state capital, Kadugli, attacking SAF compounds and, from late August until end September, placing the state capital under siege.[12] Conflict lines between SAF and the SPLA-N also meant that key arteries, particularly the main road between Dilling and Kadugli, were cut, leading to a rapidly worsening food insecurity situation in the state’s western sector.[13]
With both SAF and the RSF having largely vacated South Kordofan to place troops in Obeid and Khartoum, the only sizeable SAF contingent left in the state is in Kadugli, under the command of Jau Kafi—an Angolo Nuba.[14] The remainder of SAF in South Kordofan found themselves in poorly defended garrisons with little food, limited artillery, and poor morale.[15] Under these conditions, despite repelling attempts to take larger towns such as Dilling and Kadugli, SAF has lacked the strength to push back substantively against SPLA-N assaults. After fierce battles in June, the SPLA-N seized the Al-Atmur area east of Kadugli and the Joint Forces camp, where three sections of the armed forces were based. The forces of Nuba commander Jau’s 14th Division, mobilized originally by the Bashir government to fight the SPLA, and paramilitary forces of Kafe Tayara, a Shatt Nuba from Buram, were also based at the camp.[16] Given the developments of the war, particularly since the sweeping losses sustained in Darfur, SAF is clearly in no position to reinforce its position in South Kordofan due to the extreme pressure it is being placed under by the RSF in Khartoum and Obeid.
[12] Author telephone interview with a civil society figure, 13 September 2023.
[13] Author telephone interview with a civil society figure, 13 September 2023; see also Save the Children (2023).
[14] Researchers in South Kordofan reported the presence in Kadugli of SAF units from the 10th Infantry Division in Abu Jubaiyah and armoured units from Abri, about 50 km west of Abu Jubaiyah on the edge of the Nuba Mountains. Confidential situational update report on the Sudan conflict by S4GS, 3 May 2023.
[15] Confidential report seen by the author by an international organization, 7 June 2023.
[16] Author telephone interview with South Kordofan-based academic, 22 June 2023.
| < PREVIOUS | NEXT > |