Sudan War in Kordofan: Thousands Flee 2026

The humanitarian situation in Sudan continues deteriorating with the intensified conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) displacing more than 200,000 from Kordofan since late 2025. Attacks on electricity and water infrastructure and increasing fighting have made it hard for thousands of civilians to leave and seek refuge in El Obeid.

More Than 200,000 New Displacements in Kordofan

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 200,000 new displacements occurred in Greater Kordofan because of the ongoing fight. The increase in displacement in Sheikan locality in North Kordofan, including El Obeid, is around 25% in the last eight months.

The latest displacement is in response to a series of attacks against rural communities. Attacks took place against villages southwest of El Obeid, resulting in the movement of over 1,000 people representing 215 families in El Obeid on August 20.

Growing Challenges in El Obeid

While El Obeid is one of the largest centres for the reception of displaced civilians from surrounding conflict areas, the city itself is struggling with shortages and destroyed infrastructure.

Drone attacks against the electrical transformer of the city have led to frequent power outages, which have affected water pumping stations, health care facilities and telecommunications, depriving vulnerable communities of the already few services available to them.

The pressure in El Obeid came in the wake of previous attacks against nearby communities. The attacks against the village of Um Arada on August 15 resulted in the deaths of 18 civilians and injuries to 17 others, while over 300 families were moving to El Obeid.

Conflict in Connection with Flooding

This crisis takes place against the background of seasonal flooding in Sudan.

According to IOM, recent flooding in North Darfur has left more than 1,000 houses in the area around Tawila damaged or completely destroyed, displacing more than 1,000 households.

Moreover, the flooding in other areas is making it difficult for aid organizations to assist communities that are already being affected by the fighting.

Access to aid is also being hampered by disruptions in supply chains. Aid organizations have indicated that challenges in transporting supplies through the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz are exacerbating the situation for a poorly-funded response.

Sudan’s Overall Displacement Crisis

The recent displacement in Kordofan takes place against the backdrop of a much larger displacement crisis in Sudan, which IOM estimates at 8.6 million people who are internally displaced.

Moreover, it should be noted that the organization also pointed to the fact that civilians are being deprived of basic necessities like access to clean water, electricity, and healthcare owing to the destruction of infrastructure and forced displacements because of the ongoing conflict.

The problem of displacements in El Obeid is rather serious considering the incapacity of the city to offer vital services.

What’s next?

In case of further violence in the Kordofan area, further displacements might happen if rural areas are under the threat of attacks and humanitarian corridors cannot be accessed easily. Besides finding accommodation, people who flee El Obeid face more difficulties with obtaining basic needs such as food, water, electricity, and medical aid.

According to the International Organization for Migration, the urgent task is to protect civilians and restore vital services because the situation can escalate Sudan’s humanitarian crisis.