Fresh violence displaces over 1,000 civilians in Sudan's South Kordofan

The International Organization for Migration reported Wednesday that escalating violence in Sudan's South Kordofan state has displaced more than 1,000 civilians from Hilla Birno village. According to UN field assessments, the deteriorating security situation has forced families to seek safety in multiple locations throughout the Eastern Rural and Kadugli areas.

Rapidly Deteriorating Security Situation

IOM field teams documented that approximately 1,040 people abandoned their homes in Hilla Birno due to mounting insecurity, with many relocating within South Kordofan's Eastern Rural and Kadugli localities. The UN migration agency characterized the humanitarian situation as highly volatile and unstable. This latest displacement follows the organization's Tuesday report indicating at least 1,455 people had fled South Kordofan within a three-day period due to intensified fighting.

Paramilitary Operations Expand

The fresh wave of displacement comes amid increased military activities by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, reportedly operating with support from the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North faction led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu. Recent attacks targeting several villages across South Kordofan have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in a region already grappling with widespread displacement and violence.

Broader Conflict Context

South Kordofan forms part of Sudan's three Kordofan states that have witnessed intense combat in recent weeks between the national army and RSF fighters. The conflict has displaced tens of thousands across the region since fighting began in April 2023. Current territorial control shows the RSF maintaining dominance over all five Darfur states, while the national army holds most of Sudan's remaining 13 states, including the capital Khartoum. The World Health Organization estimates the nationwide conflict has resulted in at least 40,000 fatalities and displaced approximately 12 million people.