2.4. Other armed groups

Table of contents

COMMON ANALYSIS
Last update: June 2025

The analysis below is based on the following EUAA COI reports and query: Country Focus 2024, 1.1.2 (b), 1.1.3 (a) (b), 1.2.1. (b) (c); 1.2.4. (b) (c); Country Focus 2025, 1.2., 2.5 (a), 2.7. (b); Security 2025, 1.1.2, 1.1.3., 1.2.1. (a), 1.3.1. (a), 2.1.1., 2.2.1., 2.3.1, 2.4.1., 2.6.1; COI Update 2025, 1.. Country Guidance should not be referred to as a source of COI.

 

Other armed groups currently present and operating in Sudan include the following:

  • The SLM-AW, non-signatory of the JPA. It is a mostly Fur faction that officially declared neutrality in the ongoing conflict and is controlling parts of the Jebel Marra mountains. It was originally part of the SLM that split into factions in 2005. For the other splinter factions, namely SLM-MM and SLM-Tambour see 2.2. The Sudanese authorities, the Sudanese Armed forces [SAF] and main allies.

  • The SPLM-N-al-Hilu, non-signatory of the JPA, is led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu. It is controlling parts of the Nuba Mountain region in South Kordofan and part of Blue Nile state. The SPLM-N-al-Hilu had occasional fights with both sides of the conflict. SPLM-N-al-Hilu remained officially neutral until February 2025 when, together with the RSF (see 2.3. The Rapid Support Forces [RSF] and allies) and 22 other ‘smaller rebel movements, and political and civil society groups', they signed an alliance aiming to establish a parallel government in RSF-controlled areas. Amid inter-ethnic violence around Dilling, the SPLM-N-al-Hilu joined the SAF to maintain control of the city, leading to continued clashes with the RSF. A surge in mining activities has been reported in the area, including the alleged use of harmful extraction practices exposing the population to lethal risks. It is to be noted that the SPLM-N-al-Hilu was originally part of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–North (SPLM-N) which split in two factions in 2017. For the other faction, namely, the SPLM-N-Agar see 2.2. The Sudanese authorities, the Sudanese Armed forces [SAF] and main allies.