Sudan Mediation Efforts Begin

A senior military and tribal delegation from Sudan's Rapid Support Forces arrived in the Nuba Mountains to mediate clashes between SPLM-N and Atoro fighters.

Over 500 Killed in Kauda Clashes

Fighting in Heiban and Kauda has killed more than 500 people from the Atoro ethnic group and displaced over 25,000 residents.

ACLED Records 158 Deaths

ACLED recorded 49 incidents of infighting resulting in at least 158 deaths between March and August 2026.

RSF Forms Peace Committee

RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo formed a joint peace committee including senior RSF commanders and traditional leaders from Darfur and Kordofan.

Gold as Core Dispute

Political analysts say the SPLM-N and RSF conflict over gold mining lands is the core of the dispute.

Gold Mining in Blue Nile

The RSF and SPLM-N control gold mines in Geisan and Kurmuk provinces along the Ethiopian border.

Atoro Accuses SPLM-N of Land Seizure

Atoro tribe accuses SPLM-N leadership of attempting to seize their lands in the Nuba Mountains for mining activities.

SPLM-N Accuses of Rebellion

SPLM-N leadership accuses the other faction of rebelling against its authority.

Beni Shangul Gold Mines

SPLM-N and RSF control all gold mines in Geisan province and most mining areas in Kurmuk province.

Monthly Gold Production

Bakuri market in Geisan alone produces over 100 kilograms of gold per month.

Gold Revenues Not Benefiting Communities

Gold production revenues have not clearly benefited local communities in Blue Nile State.

Gold as Conflict Funding

Gold revenues could become a new source of funding for the conflict and consolidate armed factions' power.

Clashes Since April

Clashes between SPLM-N and Atoro began in April over land disputes in Kauda region.

Atoro Victims Describe Crisis

Atoro residents report daily attacks, destroyed food stores, and displacement due to SPLA-N violence.

“They attack us every day. We can no longer drink water or eat. They burnt all the sorghum we had, and we do not know where to go. We were one movement, and we grew old together, but then they turned against us. We do not know why. We don. t understand why they are doing this to us.”