Otoro Tribe Accuses SPLA-N: Nuba Mountains Detainee Liquidations

• An Otoro tribal delegation has accused Sudan People's Liberation Army-North (SPLA-N) forces of killing eight of its members held in Mandi prison on September 23, 2026.
• The delegation also reported the arrest of two education administration employees by SPLA-N forces in Um Dulu, Heiban locality.
• These incidents occurred amidst escalating tensions and violent clashes between SPLA-N and Otoro fighters in Kauda and other Nuba Mountains areas during August and September.
• SPLM-N leader Abdel Aziz al-Hilu had previously ordered a cessation of hostilities in Kauda and Heiban to facilitate mediation efforts.
• The accusations raise serious concerns about potential war crimes and human rights violations in the Nuba Mountains.

The alleged killing of eight individuals held in Mandi prison, if substantiated, could trigger international investigations and calls for accountability against the SPLM-N and its affiliated forces.

An Otoro tribal delegation from Sudan's Nuba Mountains region has leveled serious accusations against forces aligned with the Sudan People's Liberation Army-North (SPLA-N). The delegation claims that eight members of their tribe, who were being held in Mandi prison, were killed by SPLA-N forces on September 23, 2026. This alleged liquidation of detainees, if confirmed, represents a grave escalation in the ongoing conflict. The individuals reportedly killed are Faisal Musa, Ayoub Malak Loja, Koko Abdel Aziz Bashir, Ayoub Awad Al-Amin, Kamal Idris Al-Yaga, Mustafa Awad Al-Karim Olinga, Omar Borjo, and Salah Hassan. These accusations of detainee killings in the Nuba Mountains are particularly alarming.

Beyond the alleged killings, the Otoro delegation also reported that two education administration employees were arrested by SPLA-N forces in Heiban locality. These individuals, Daniel Ibrahim Koko, who serves as the Secretary of Education Administration for the region, and Khaled Othman Nabri, an employee within the same administration, were reportedly apprehended inside the civilian authority headquarters in Um Dulu while carrying out their official duties. The arrests of civilian personnel performing their functions further underscore the volatile and concerning situation in the area, raising questions about the protection of non-combatants and civilian governance structures amidst the conflict.

These serious allegations emerge against a backdrop of heightened tensions within Heiban locality, where clashes between SPLA-N forces and fighters from the Otoro tribe have intensified. Violent confrontations were reported throughout August and September 2026 in Kauda and other surrounding areas, indicating a significant deterioration of security. The SPLA-N had previously reasserted control over Kauda in August following these intense battles with Otoro combatants. The ongoing military engagements and the subsequent accusations highlight the deep-seated nature of the conflict in the Nuba Mountains.

In an effort to de-escalate the situation and pave the way for peaceful resolution, Abdel Aziz al-Hilu, the leader of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), issued directives calling for a cessation of hostilities. These instructions specifically targeted the areas of Kauda and Heiban, aiming to create an environment conducive to mediation efforts. Despite these calls for a ceasefire, the recent accusations of detainee killings and civilian arrests suggest that the directives may not have been fully observed or have failed to prevent further alleged abuses, raising concerns about the effectiveness of such orders on the ground. The reported violations by the SPLA-N underscore the challenges in maintaining peace.

The accusations of liquidating detainees and arbitrarily arresting civilian officials carry profound legal and human rights implications, potentially constituting war crimes or other grave violations of international humanitarian law. The alleged killing of eight individuals held in Mandi prison, if substantiated, could trigger international investigations and calls for accountability against the SPLM-N and its affiliated forces. Such actions are strictly prohibited under international conventions governing armed conflict, which mandate the humane treatment of all detainees.

For legal professionals and compliance officers, these developments in the Nuba Mountains demand close monitoring. The potential for these alleged acts to be classified as war crimes or severe human rights abuses could lead to international sanctions against the SPLM-N or individuals within its command structure. Furthermore, entities operating in or engaging with parties in the Nuba Mountains region face significant compliance exposures and heightened risks. The volatile environment and alleged abuses highlight severe dangers for the civilian population, emphasizing the urgent need for adherence to international legal standards and the protection of fundamental human rights in conflict zones.

Lawyers and compliance officers should monitor these accusations as potential evidence of war crimes or grave human rights violations, which could trigger international investigations or sanctions against the SPLM-N. This also highlights severe risks for civilians and potential compliance exposures for entities operating in or engaging with parties in the Nuba Mountains region.

Source: Original reporting via Sudan Tribune