Intensifying violence in Sudan’s Kordofan states has led to the deaths of hundreds of civilians, mass displacement, and the collapse of essential services, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Heavy fighting in North, South, and West Kordofan since the beginning of the year has targeted residential areas, markets, and medical facilities, forcing thousands to flee their homes—many of them multiple times due to shifting frontlines. The ICRC reports that in some affected areas, up to 90% of civilians have fled.
“Fighting in the Kordofan states has intensified since the beginning of 2025, resulting in hundreds of deaths and exacerbating the country’s humanitarian crisis,” said Daniel O’Malley, ICRC Head of Delegation in Sudan. “In addition to the fighting, the presence of explosive remnants of war poses a serious risk to civilians, particularly those fleeing or attempting to return home.”
The humanitarian impact has been compounded by direct attacks on health infrastructure. Medical facilities have been damaged or destroyed, while overwhelmed and under-protected health workers have fled, leaving communities without access to critical care.
The surge in violence has also disrupted supply routes, leaving many areas cut off from food, water, and medical assistance for weeks or even months. Movement restrictions and blockades have worsened shortages of essential goods, contributing to the deepening humanitarian crisis.
“Restrictions on the movement of goods have worsened shortages, forcing more people to flee in search of survival,” O’Malley said. “Lack of food, medical care, and safe escape routes is pushing communities to the brink.”
A cholera outbreak is further compounding the emergency, with more than 7,800 confirmed cases amid rising seasonal rains. Health services across conflict zones are ill-equipped to handle the outbreak due to damage, understaffing, and lack of supplies.
The ICRC is urging all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law, which prohibits attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, marketplaces, and water systems.
“Protecting civilians and ensuring their access to essential services and humanitarian aid is both a legal obligation and a moral responsibility,” the ICRC emphasized in its statement.
As the conflict continues to escalate, humanitarian agencies warn of an impending catastrophe unless urgent measures are taken to ensure access to aid and to protect civilians trapped in conflict zones.
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