Escalating violence forces mass displacement in Sudan’s Kordofan: UN

The United Nations says escalating violence in Sudan’s Kordofan region is forcing tens of thousands of civilians to flee their homes, warning that ongoing insecurity continues to place communities at extreme risk.

About 65,000 people were displaced from multiple locations across Kordofan between October 25 and December 30, 2025, UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said.

Displacement has risen sharply in recent days in South Kordofan state. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), violence between December 31, 2025, and January 4, 2026, drove nearly 1,000 people from Quoz locality, Kadugli town and Berdab village. In North Kordofan, another 2,000 people were uprooted on Monday from Um Dam Haj Ahmed locality.

UN officials also reported that a drone attack on Tuesday in El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, allegedly killed 13 civilians, including children.

“Once again, the UN reiterates its urgent call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the protection of civilians,” Dujarric said. He added that the organization is also calling for “rapid, safe and sustained humanitarian access” to ensure aid reaches those in need.