Sudan: SPLM-N rebel movement suspends peace talks with government June 17

Event

On Saturday, June 17, the SPLM-N rebels (Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North) announced the suspension of peace negotiations with the Sudanese government regarding South Kordofan and Blue Nile states. According to the SPLM-N leader, the rebel group now wants to shift its focus to removing the current government in order to build a democratic system. Clashes are likely in these regions in light of these recent developments.

Context

On January 15, President Omar al-Bashir and his cabinet decided to extend the ceasefire between the army (loyal to the government) and rebel troops from the war-torn regions of Darfur, Blue Nile, and South Kordofan by another six months. The truce, originally declared in June 2016, had already been extended several times.

The security situation in the south of the country along the border with South Sudan, is characterized by extremely poor security conditions. Confrontations between SPLM-N rebels and the government are regularly reported in the South Kordofan and Blue Nile regions. Violent clashes between Sudanese Armed Forces and SPLM-N rebels resumed following several months of relative calm in South Kordofan on February 21.

Advice

Many Western governments advise against nonessential travel to Sudan and against all travel to certain regions, including the five Darfur states, South Kordofan, Blue Nile, certain areas of North Kordofan, the Djebel Ouanat region, Dinder National Park, and Sennar state. Due to a high risk of terrorist activity, always be on guard when visiting sites that are potential terrorist targets (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.).