Fighting in North Kordofan Displaces Thousands of Sudanese Families

Renewed military operations in North Kordofan state have displaced thousands of Sudanese families, forcing them to flee toward Omdurman and other cities. The displacement is driven by a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces, which seek to secure the state capital of El Obeid, and the Rapid Support Forces, which maintain positions to the west and south of the city.

Displaced persons report arduous journeys lasting up to two weeks, traveling on foot, in cargo trucks, or via animal-drawn carts through mountains and valleys. Many families report being forced from their homes at gunpoint and suffering the loss of relatives during transit.

Upon arriving in Omdurman, refugees face dire humanitarian conditions, including acute shortages of food and drinking water. Health officials report the spread of infections and fever among children. This surge in displacement adds to a broader national crisis that has displaced approximately 13 million people since April 2023.