The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has documented the killing of 27 civilians, including four children, and the injury of others, including women, in attacks attributed to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) led by Abdelaziz Al‑Hilu, targeting the areas of Al‑Qardoud and Abu Hamama in South Kordofan State, reportedly in the context of tensions and conflict involving the Otoro community inhabiting the area.
According to available information, the attacks resulted in numerous civilian casualties and triggered a large-scale displacement of residents toward Abu Hitan and the city of Kadugli, amid growing concerns over the worsening humanitarian situation and the continued targeting of civilians in the context of armed tensions in the region.
These attacks raise serious concerns, particularly if civilians were targeted on the basis of ethnic or tribal affiliation, regarding violations of international humanitarian law, including the obligation to protect civilians and refrain from targeting them because of their identity. The incidents also highlight the risk of escalating ethnically motivated violence in South Kordofan.
The Committee for Justice calls for an immediate end to all attacks against civilians, and for the opening of an independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the casualties, the identification of those responsible, and their accountability.
CFJ further urges all parties to ensure the protection of civilians from violence based on ethnic or tribal grounds, and to guarantee that displaced persons and affected communities are able to access humanitarian assistance without obstruction.
