Source:

Sudanese People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) [ID 12137]

"The SPLA was formed in 1983 when Lieutenant Colonel John Garang of the SPAF was sent to quell a mutiny in Bor of 500 southern troops who were resisting orders to be rotated to the north. Instead of ending the mutiny, Garang encouraged mutinies in other garrisons and set himself at the head of the rebellion against the Khartoum government. Garang, a Dinka born into a Christian family, had studied at Grinnell College, Iowa, and later returned to the United States to take a company commanders' course at Fort Benning, Georgia, and again to earn advanced economics degrees at Iowa State University.

By 1986 the SPLA was estimated to have 12,500 adherents organized into twelve battalions and equipped with small arms and a few mortars. By 1989 the SPLA's strength had reached 20,000 to 30,000; by 1991 it was estimated at 50,000 to 60,000. Many members of the SPLA continued their civilian occupations, serving in individual campaigns when called upon. At least forty battalions had been formed, bearing such names as Tiger, Crocodile, Fire, Nile, Kalishnikov, Bee, Eagle, and Hippo."

Document(s): Open document

21.10.2008 - Source: International Crisis Group

Report on Southern Kordofan state (Nuba, National Congress Party (NCP), Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR)) ("Sudan's Southern Kordofan Problem: The Next Darfur?") [ID 25144]

Document(s): Open document

19.09.2008 - Source: US Department of State

The SPLM draws its support from Southern Christians, but regularly engages with Muslim opposition parties and rebel groups in Darfur and the East ("International Religious Freedom Report 2008") [ID 24773]

"Following the civil war, the Sudanese People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) became the dominant political power in the south, and is the main coalition partner with the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) in the GNU.

The SPLM draws its support from Southern Christians, but regularly engages with Muslim opposition parties and rebel groups in Darfur and the east."

Document(s): Open document

06.08.2008 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

At new headquarters of Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), 10 kilometres North of Juba town, new administrative headquarters are set up; transition from military organisation at war to governing body is slow; aggressive attitudes among soldiers prevalent; soldiers encouraged to attend literacy and humanitarian law classes ("From rebels to soldiers – the SPLA's transformation") [ID 24370]

Document(s): Open document