Sudan People's Liberation Movement–North facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sudan People's Liberation Movement–North
الحركة الشعبية لتحرير السودان-الشمال
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| Leaders | Abdelaziz al-Hilu Malik Agar Yasir Arman |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Split from | Sudan People's Liberation Movement |
| Ideology | New Sudan |
| National affiliation | Sudan Revolutionary Front |
| National Assembly |
0 / 426
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| Council of States |
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| Party flag | |
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| Website | |
| https://splmn.net/en/ | |
The Sudan People's Liberation Movement–North (SPLM–N) is a political group and armed organization in Sudan. It is mainly active in the states of Blue Nile and South Kordofan. Its armed forces are called the Sudan People's Liberation Army–North (SPLA–N).
Since 2017, the SPLM-N has had two main parts. These parts are led by Malik Agar and Abdelaziz al-Hilu. They have sometimes fought against each other. They have also fought against the government of Sudan. As of 2023, the al-Hilu group is fighting the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The leader of the Agar group, Malik Agar, joined the military-led government.
Contents
How the SPLM-N Started
Forming the Group
The SPLM-N was created in 2011. It was formed by parts of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM). The original SPLM was mostly from South Sudan. When South Sudan became an independent country in 2011, some SPLM members stayed in Sudan. They then formed the SPLM-N.
Even after a big peace agreement, small conflicts continued in Sudan. The government banned the SPLM-N. Some people say South Sudan helps the SPLA-N. In return, Sudan is said to help groups fighting the government in South Sudan.
Fighting Begins Again in 2011
After South Sudan became independent, fighting started again in Sudan. This happened in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states.
Conflict in South Kordofan
In July 2011, the SPLM-N in South Kordofan attacked the Sudanese army. This attack happened near Kadugli, the state capital. Reports said the SPLM-N was gaining ground. This fighting caused nearly 400,000 people to leave their homes. Many of these people were from the Nuba Mountains.
Conflict in Blue Nile
In late 2011, violence also started again in Blue Nile State. This was due to disagreements over who should govern the state. The SPLA-N formed its own government in Kurmuk. They took control of large parts of the state. The fighting in Blue Nile raised worries about many people becoming refugees. It also raised fears of a new civil war.
In 2012, a teacher and activist named Jalila Khamis Koko was arrested. She was held for her humanitarian work and for speaking her mind peacefully. She was released in 2013.
The SPLM-N Splits in 2017
In 2017, the SPLM-N divided into two groups. One group was led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu. The other was led by Malik Agar. These two groups even fought each other in Blue Nile state.
A main reason for the split was about having a secular state. Al-Hilu's group wanted Sudan to be a secular state. This means the government would not be based on religion. Agar's group did not agree with this idea. During peace talks in 2019-2020, al-Hilu's group still insisted on a secular state. They said it was needed for a peace deal.
Working Towards Peace
The Sudanese Peace Process
After protests in 2018-2019, Sudan began a transition to a democratic government. A plan was made in August 2019. It said a peace agreement must be reached within six months. This agreement would help end conflicts in Darfur and other areas.
As part of this peace process, the SPLM-N (al-Hilu) signed an agreement in October 2019. This agreement was about political, security, and humanitarian steps. Both sides planned to work on a "Declaration of Principles." This would help guide future peace talks.
In January 2020, the SPLM-N (Agar) also signed agreements. These agreements gave more power to South Kordofan and Blue Nile states. They also suggested ways to share land and resources. The goal was to combine all armed groups into one Sudanese military. In August 2020, the SPLM-N and the government agreed to bring rebels into the army.
Both the SPLM-N (Agar) and SPLM-N (al-Hilu) signed peace agreements in August and September 2020. This means both groups will now take part in Sudan's move towards democracy. They will do this through peaceful ways. Under the agreement, these groups will get seats in the government. This includes seats on the sovereignty council and in the cabinet. They will also have seats in the new legislature.
Recent Events: Sudanese Civil War (2023–Present)
SPLM-N's Role in the Current Conflict
In May 2023, during the Sudanese civil war, Malik Agar was appointed to a high position in the government. He became deputy head of the Transitional Sovereignty Council.
In June 2023, the SPLM-N (al-Hilu) group started moving its forces. They moved around Kadugli and into army camps. This caused the Sudanese army to strengthen its positions. This raised fears of a new front in the conflict.
On June 21, the SPLM-N (al-Hilu) attacked Sudanese army units. These attacks happened in South Kordofan, in Kadugli and al-Dalanj. The army said they fought off the attacks. The rebels said they attacked because one of their soldiers was killed by the army. They promised to free the region. On June 25, the group attacked army positions in Kurmuk, near the border with Ethiopia.
In July, the SPLM-N (al-Hilu) took over several army bases and an oil field in South Kordofan. They also blocked a main road. They launched another attack in Kurmuk. Some people wondered if al-Hilu's attacks were linked to another armed group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Others thought he was trying to gain a stronger position for future peace talks. Groups supporting the SPLM-N said their actions were to protect people from possible attacks by the RSF.
What the SPLM-N Wants
Aims and Beliefs
The SPLM-N says it is a Sudanese national movement. It wants to change how the government in Khartoum works. It aims to build a new system that benefits all Sudanese people. This includes people of all religions, genders, and backgrounds. Since the conflict started again, the group has asked for talks and a ceasefire. However, some leaders have warned that Sudan could split into two countries again.
Groups Within the SPLM-N
SPLM-N (Agar)
As of 2017, the SPLM-N (Agar) group is led by Malik Agar.
SPLM-N (al-Hilu)
As of 2017, Abdelaziz al-Hilu leads the SPLM-N (al-Hilu) group.
SPLM-N (Arman)
Yasir Arman was a leader in the SPLM-N (Agar) group. In 2022, he formed his own group, the SPLM-N (Arman). This happened after he disagreed with Malik Agar.
See also
- Comprehensive Peace Agreement
