[SUDANTRIBUNE] Disputes have erupted among leaders of the Misseriya tribe over how to respond to the Sudan
 ...a Moslem country located in the Horn of Africa. It is noted for its affinity for rule by ex- or current generals, its holy men, and for the oppression of the native Afro population by its Arab conquerors. South Sudan, populated mostly by the natives, split off from Sudan proper, which left North and South Darfur to be oppressed by the guys with turbans...
ese army's advance into West Kordofan state, with differing views on confronting government forces or maintaining ties with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The paramount chief, or Nazir, and other community leaders reportedly favour avoiding confrontation with government forces, while others insist on maintaining their alliance with the RSF.
The Misseriya are the largest tribe in West Kordofan and also have a presence in parts of South Kordofan state. The previous government relied on them to fight alongside its forces against the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) during the civil war in South Sudan before the latter's secession.
Local sources told Sudan Tribune that ''the Misseriya tribe is witnessing a division over how to deal with the army's advance into West Kordofan areas, as the tribe's Nazir and six Omdas (local chiefs) have called for not confronting the state (government forces).''
The sources indicated another faction within the tribe supports the RSF and demands the army's swift expulsion from Babanusa city and the Heglig oilfield.
According to the sources, the Nazir's group believes it is necessary to preserve young men's lives, avoid damaging service facilities and oilfields, and prevent civilian displacement, thus advocating against resisting the army's advance.
The RSF controls most areas where the Misseriya traditionally hold influence, including al-Fulah, al-Mujlad, al-Meiram, and Lagawa, while the army controls Babanusa and some oilfields.
In 2024, Nazir Mukhtar Babo Nimr and 22 Misseriya leaders wrote to RSF commander Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, stating they would not allow war in their areas and demanding the army's removal from tribal lands, according to a copy of the letter seen by Sudan Tribune.
The letter, signed by the Nazir, said West Kordofan borders South Sudan, particularly near al-Meiram, Abyei, Heglig, Keilak, and Lagawa. It warned that the fall of the 22nd Infantry Division's command would leave the state without an army presence, which ''would facilitate border penetration by those with ambitions.''
The division extends to an RSF mobilization campaign in West Kordofan. The RSF has reportedly launched widespread arrests in al-Mujlad, al-Fulah, and Balila, targeting local leaders, retired military personnel, and students accused of spying for the army and rejecting general mobilization calls.
Sources told Sudan Tribune that the RSF transferred dozens of detainees from West Kordofan to Nyala, capital of South Darfur state, which has been converted into a military command centre for the RSF.
Ahmed Ezzeldin Nouri, deputy head of the Misseriya Tribes Coordination Committee, told Sudan Tribune that the mobilization campaign by the RSF in West Kordofan state has failed mainly due to the refusal of young men and local leaders to join recruitment camps.
He said the RSF has imposed a levy of 100,000 Sudanese pounds on residents in its West Kordofan operational areas who refuse to mobilize.
Nouri reported the arrests of al-Hadi Hamdiya Absher, Hamed al-Samani, Suleiman Jumaa, and Sheikh Ahmed Abdulraheem, all prominent Misseriya community leaders in West Kordofan.
''The arrest campaign is evidence of the failure of the al-Dagalo family's militia project in mobilization and in maintaining its social support base in West Kordofan,'' Nouri added. He accused the RSF of widespread violations against civilians in al-Mujlad, al-Fulah, and other Misseriya territories.
Nouri also said many Misseriya tribal leaders have fled to neighbouring countries after RSF pressure to mobilize young men.
He said they hoped a mobile force known as ''Al-Sayyad'' (The Hunter) would protect civilians in West Kordofan and impose state authority. Nouri stressed: ''The Misseriya are an authentic Sudanese tribe, and the al-Daglo family's militia does not represent the tribe; it is a rebellious and outlaw force.''
|
