Sudan – Violence escalates in Kordofan and the United Nations calls for the protection of civilians

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Sudan quoted the Sudanese Doctors Network as saying that a march attack on the city of El Obeid in North Kordofan State today led – according to reports – to the killing of 13 people, including children.

In South Kordofan State, displacement has increased sharply in recent days. The International Organization for Migration estimates that the violence forced nearly 1,000 people to flee between 31 December and 4 January. Another 2,000 people were displaced yesterday, according to reports, from a locality in North Kordofan State.

The total number of displaced people across the Kordofan region is estimated at 65,000 people between 25 October and 30 December 2025.

In his daily press conference, United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric reiterated the urgent call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the protection of civilians, and the necessity of providing urgent, safe and sustainable humanitarian access so that aid reaches those in need.