The Nuba Mountains Liberation Council has endorsed an initiative by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, chairman of Sudan's Presidential Council, to resolve the conflict in Heiban County, South Kordofan State. This decision was made during council meetings held from September 21 to 23, 2026. The council's acting chairman, Hassan Jouda Al-Daw Idris, shared the decisions with Radio Tamazuj. The initiative aims to restore social cohesion among affected communities.
The Nuba Mountains Liberation Council adopted several decisions, including administrative, economic, security, and political recommendations. These decisions aim to advance the work of the regional government. The council issued a statement endorsing Dagalo's decision to establish a mechanism to implement the initiative. This move seeks to resolve the conflict in Heiban County and restore relations among affected communities.
The conflict in Heiban escalated in March 2026 due to longstanding disputes over land demarcation involving Nuba communities. The tensions developed into armed confrontations involving Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) forces loyal to Abdelaziz Adam Al-Hilu and Otoro fighters. Al-Hilu's SPLM-N faction is allied with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) through the Sudan Founding Alliance.
The Sudan Founding Alliance is a political and military coalition formed in 2025. It is part of the broader conflict between the RSF and Sudan's army, which has been at war since April 2023. Al-Hilu serves as deputy chairman of the alliance's Presidential Council, headed by Dagalo. This alliance plays a significant role in the ongoing conflict.
The Nuba Mountains Liberation Council also expressed support for a decision issued by Abdelaziz Adam Al-Hilu. His decision calls for an end to intercommunal fighting in Heiban County. This support highlights the council's commitment to resolving the conflict and promoting peace in the region.
Despite mediation efforts and attempts to secure an informal ceasefire, fighting in Heiban has continued. This has raised concerns about civilian safety, displacement, and relations between communities in the Nuba Mountains. The ongoing conflict has severe humanitarian implications for the affected communities.
The endorsement of Dagalo's initiative by the Nuba Mountains Liberation Council is a significant step towards resolving the Heiban conflict. The council's support for Al-Hilu's decision to end intercommunal fighting also underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region.
Key points
- The Nuba Mountains Liberation Council endorses Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo's initiative to resolve the Heiban conflict.
- The conflict in Heiban escalated in March 2026 due to disputes over land demarcation involving Nuba communities.
- The Sudan Founding Alliance plays a significant role in the ongoing conflict between the RSF and Sudan's army.
