Tens of Thousands Displaced in Sudan's Kordofan Region as Clashes Between RSF and SAF Intensify
Khartoum, Sudan – An estimated 64,890 individuals have been displaced across Sudan's Kordofan region between October 25 and December 30, 2025, due to heightened insecurity and ongoing clashes between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), according to the latest data from the International Organization for Migration's Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM).
The report, published on January 5, 2026, and valid as of December 30, 2025, highlights the severe impact in North Kordofan, where 42,780 people were uprooted, marking the epicenter of the recent wave of displacement. South Kordofan saw 21,860 individuals displaced, while West Kordofan reported 250. DTM field teams documented 56 separate incidents contributing to this exodus, underscoring the scale of violence in the area.
This update, labeled as "Focused Flash Alert: North Kordofan (Update 002)," comes amid a broader escalation of conflict in Sudan that has persisted since April 2023. The power struggle between SAF, commanded by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and RSF, led by Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), has ravaged the country, displacing millions and causing one of the world's largest humanitarian crises.
Details of the Displacement Crisis
DTM teams reported that displacement in the Kordofan region stemmed directly from increased clashes between the rival forces. North Kordofan, in particular, has emerged as a flashpoint, with families fleeing their homes amid active combat zones. The report refers to an attached file for comprehensive data, but the overview emphasizes the rapid deterioration of security from late October onward.
The Kordofan states – North, South, and West – straddle central Sudan and have long been contested areas due to their strategic location and ethnic diversity. Recent fighting has exacerbated food insecurity, restricted access to basic services, and strained already overburdened host communities. While specific casualty figures were not detailed in the alert, the scale of movement indicates significant disruption to civilian life.
International monitors, including the United Nations, have repeatedly warned of the risks in these regions. The IOM's DTM program, which tracks mobility patterns through field assessments and partner networks, provides critical real-time data for humanitarian response. This latest flash alert builds on prior updates, signaling a worsening trend as 2025 drew to a close.
Broader Context of Sudan's Civil War
Sudan's conflict erupted in April 2023 when tensions between SAF and RSF boiled over into open warfare, initially centered in Khartoum and spreading to Darfur, Gezira, and now Kordofan. What began as a dispute over military integration and power-sharing has evolved into a full-scale civil war, with proxy involvements from regional actors like the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Ethiopia.
By mid-2025, the United Nations estimated over 12 million people internally displaced and 3.2 million refugees fleeing to neighboring countries, primarily Chad and South Sudan. Kordofan, historically a stronghold for various militias, has seen intensified RSF advances, challenging SAF control. Reports from earlier in 2025 documented airstrikes, ground assaults, and inter-communal violence fueled by the main factions.
Humanitarian access remains severely limited, with aid convoys frequently targeted. The World Food Programme and other agencies have scaled up operations in Kordofan, but funding shortfalls hinder efforts. The IOM's data aligns with patterns observed in other hotspots, where displacement spikes correlate with major clashes.
Humanitarian and Regional Implications
The displacement figures from Kordofan add to Sudan's staggering toll. As of late 2025, the country faced acute malnutrition affecting millions, compounded by the conflict's disruption of agriculture and trade routes. North Kordofan's Um Rawaba and Obeid areas, key displacement origins, host makeshift camps overwhelmed by arrivals.
Regional stability is at risk, with spillover effects into Chad and South Sudan straining border resources. Diplomatic efforts, including Jeddah talks mediated by the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, have stalled, while African Union and IGAD initiatives face setbacks.
The DTM alert urges immediate scaling of protection and assistance, including safe passage for the displaced and monitoring of return intentions. As clashes persist into early 2026, humanitarian agencies anticipate further movements unless a ceasefire is secured.
Outlook Amid Ongoing Violence
With no immediate resolution in sight, the Kordofan crisis exemplifies the entrenched nature of Sudan's war. International pressure for de-escalation continues, but ground realities point to prolonged suffering. The IOM's ongoing monitoring will be crucial for tracking developments, as the conflict enters its third year.
Sudanese civilians remain caught in the crossfire, their plight demanding urgent global attention to avert deeper catastrophe.
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