A breakaway faction from the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) led by Mini Arko Minawi has declared the establishment of a new movement calling itself the Sudan Democratic Liberation Movement.
The split occurred due to differences in the movement’s stance, particularly its decision to engage in the war and support the army against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This marked a departure from the movement’s previously neutral position, maintained since the onset of the conflict.
Leader Hasab-el Nabi Mahmoud Hasab Al-Nabi explained the rift, stating, “The situation within the movement’s institutions has become detached from the Sudanese issue and the revolution carried out by the Sudanese people.”
He emphasized the Sudan Liberation Movement’s belief in being an integral part of the Sudanese struggle, having sacrificed thousands of martyrs and wounded for the cause.
This development underscores a significant shift in the political landscape, as a faction formerly aligned with Minawi’s movement now establishes itself as the Sudan Democratic Liberation Movement, expressing a renewed commitment to the broader Sudanese cause.
Mahmoud explained that following the movement leader’s endorsement of one of the conflicting parties, his actions veered away from the revolutionary path. To the extent that the movement’s position became indistinguishable from the remnants that sought to halt the revolution, dismantle Sudan, and harm the Sudanese people.
“After thorough consultations, we reached a consensus to uphold the revolutionary journey. We elected our leadership body and adopted the new identity of the Sudan Democratic Liberation Movement,” Mahmoud affirmed.
He expressed surprise at the movement leader’s announcement of participation in the war, especially when the global community was actively working to bring an end to the conflict.
Emphasizing the imperative of prioritizing the people’s interests, the leader underscored the necessity of halting the war rather than escalating it.
Sudan’s civil war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces is now in its eighth month.
More than six million people have so far been displaced by the war, the UN says.