He is considered one of the most successful SPLA/M commanders in the history of the SPLA and worked with Sudanese revolutionary leader John Garang with the stated goal of creating a Sudan that is democratic,fair and free to all Sudanese.[citation needed]
In mid-2017,the SPLM–N split into two factions,the SPLM–N (al-Hilu) and SPLM–N (Agar),over disagreements on secularization.[2] Following the Sudanese revolution,he declared a temporary unilateral ceasefire "to give the ongoing peace talks an opportunity for success",[3] which was later further extended,[4] during which he reached an agreement with the transitional government to separate religion and state and not discriminate against anyone's ethnicity on 3 September 2020.[5] He has also called to remove former president Omar al-Bashir's militias and to reorganize the Sudanese military,in addition to self-determination in areas controlled by his faction.[6]
On 28 March 2021,al-Hilu signed a peace agreement with the Sudanese government in Juba,South Sudan,in which it would pave the path to establish a civil,democratic federal state in Sudan,in addition to guaranteeing freedom of religion and having a single army to protect national security.[7]
During the civil war in Sudan which began in 2023,al-Hilu was hesitant to join the Tagadum coalition,insisting on secular governance as a foundation for Sudan's unity and stability. He also supported initiatives to end conflict but emphasized addressing Sudan's deep-rooted issues.[8] His forces in South Kordofan and Blue Nile prioritized defending citizens and ensuring aid reached civilians.[9][10][11] In February 2025,al-Hilu supported the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)'s attempt to form a parallel government in Nairobi,Kenya.[12] In July 2025,he was proclaimed the deputy leader of a governing alliance headed by the RSF's leader Hemedti.[13]
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SPLM–N (al-Hilu)