Scores of dead and wounded have been reported in clashes between SPLM-N rebel forces and Sudanese government forces in South Kordofan State.

Rebel forces took control of El Rahmania, 25 kilometres southwest of Abu Jubaiha on the main road to Kologi on Thursday, following a fierce battle with government forces. Witnesses told Radio Dabanga that they saw “dozens of casualties on both sides”. There were also significant losses in vehicles, machinery, and military equipment.

Most of the area’s civilian population has escaped and gone into hiding. The fighting has cut all communications in the area and all roads to El Rahmania were closed on Friday.

Kologi 

SPLA-N forces earlier attacked Kologi to the south of El Rahmania and briefly overran the town on Wednesday. They occupied the premises of the army and various security services in the town for about two and a half hours before withdrawing. A witness who fled the area initially reported that at least 24 troops and government militiamen died in the attack, and many more were injured. 

Since then, Radio Dabanga reported that the estimated death toll later rose to 29 dead, including a woman and her child. A witness said that due to the fighting, government authorities cannot transfer the wounded to Abu Jubaiha where there is a large hospital. Of the 23 injured, two are in serious condition.

Sudanese military spokesman Colonel Sawarmi Khaled Saad has acknowledged the attack on Kologi, saying that seven government troops lost their lives. He also acknowledged that Division North was under attack in the El Rahmania area in Abu Jubaiha locality.

In a statement, Arno Ngutulu Lodi, spokesman for the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), said the aim of the attack on Kologi, Tozi, and El Rahmania is to seize weapons and equipment from the Sudanese forces and to support the “Get out” campaign to stop the April elections.

The Governor of South Kordofan, Adam Al Feki, also confirmed that seven government troops are dead and several injured following a rebel attack on the El Rahmania area, but he gave no further details.