Heavy fighting has broken out in North Kordofan, Sudan, between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The escalating conflict has prompted the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) to issue urgent appeals for aid to assist the millions of displaced Sudanese citizens.
Sources within the SAF reported intense clashes near the Jebra Sheikh area of North Kordofan. According to these reports, SAF artillery units have been targeting RSF positions in the region.
Separately, a military source indicated that an RSF drone struck the Samasim area, south of Al-Dilling, and the Abu Jubaihah region in South Kordofan.
Kordofan, a region comprising three states rich in oil, gold, and agricultural land, has become a major flashpoint in the ongoing conflict. It serves as a critical link between SAF-controlled areas in the north, east, and center of Sudan, and the Darfur region, largely under RSF control since late October.
The humanitarian situation is deteriorating rapidly. OCHA has stated that the UN requires $2.9 billion to provide assistance to 20 million people in Sudan next year. The UN estimates that there are currently 9.6 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) within Sudan, many living in precarious conditions. Approximately 29 million Sudanese are facing acute food insecurity, with more than 20 areas at risk of famine.
Abdel Rahim Hassan, the Humanitarian Aid Commissioner in Abu Jubaihah, South Kordofan, reported that approximately 1,600 displaced people from the Heglig area have arrived in the city after a long and arduous journey, which included crossing through South Sudan. Hassan noted that the displaced individuals arrived in poor health and are receiving immediate medical attention. Authorities anticipate further waves of displacement from Heglig and other areas within South Kordofan, emphasizing the urgent need for shelter and food assistance.
