Lana Mahadi Writes: The Nairobi Meeting—When the Totil (Mabrouk) and Kauda (Al-Hilu) Mountains United to End Marginalization and Build a Just Nation

When the mountains of Kauda and Totil met in Nairobi, represented by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) led by Commander Abdelaziz Adam Al-Hilu and the Free Lions Party led by Dr. Mabrouk Mubarak Salim, it was a moment that symbolized Sudan’s unity and the fight against marginalization in both the east and west of the country. These two forces have long been key players in the struggle to establish a just Sudanese state.

This meeting marked a critical turning point in Sudan’s fight for justice and equality. It brought together liberation forces from the historically marginalized eastern and western regions, reaffirming that the battle for dignity and sovereignty is one and the same. The event underscored a fundamental truth: Sudan can only rise by uniting its marginalized and oppressed communities.

The Free Lions Party has played a pivotal role in defending the rights of eastern Sudan, a region that has endured decades of exclusion and neglect. Since its founding, the party has championed the rights of marginalized groups in the east, advocating for genuine development in a region rich in resources yet persistently underserved. The Free Lions have waged both political and military struggles to demand fair resource distribution and equitable representation in state institutions. They have resisted central government attempts to silence their cause through negotiations, political pressure, and diplomatic efforts. Their struggle has never been merely a regional battle but part of a broader national fight against systemic discrimination, making them a crucial player in any genuine movement for justice.

Meanwhile, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) has been at the forefront of the resistance against oppression in the Nuba Mountains and Blue Nile regions. The movement has long championed the vision of a “New Sudan,” advocating for a democratic state that embraces all citizens, free from ethnic and regional discrimination. It has engaged in fierce battles—both militarily and politically—against centralized regimes that sought to impose political and economic dominance over marginalized areas. The SPLM-N has employed armed resistance and political negotiations as dual strategies to achieve its goals.

However, the SPLM-N’s struggle has not been confined to armed conflict. It has also been deeply rooted in intellectual and political discourse, offering a comprehensive vision for restructuring the Sudanese state based on equal citizenship and social justice. Despite numerous challenges, the movement has remained steadfast in its liberation project, drawing strength from the support of local communities that see it as their only hope for breaking free from marginalization.

The Nairobi Charter, which brought together the SPLM-N and the Free Lions, was not just a political meeting—it was a profound acknowledgment that the fight against marginalization cannot be waged in isolation. It sent a clear message: unity among the marginalized forces is the only way to dismantle the entrenched system of centralized dominance. The gathering served as a declaration that Sudan cannot be governed through exclusion, and real change will only come when the free wills of the east, west, south, and north unite to achieve justice and equality.

This historic meeting rekindled hope among Sudanese people who have long struggled for an inclusive nation—one that rejects discrimination and exclusion. It is a crucial first step toward forging a powerful alliance among marginalized forces, capable of shaping a new vision for Sudan’s future, where every citizen has the right to live with dignity and participate in decision-making.