UN Sounds Alarm Over Escalating Civilian Violence in Sudan’s Darfur and Kordofan Regions
New York, December 12, 2025 – The United Nations has issued a grave warning regarding the escalating and indiscriminate violence that continues to plague the civilian populations in Sudan’s Darfur and Kordofan regions. Reports of a deadly drone strike in South Darfur and a rapidly worsening security environment in South Kordofan have prompted urgent calls for de-escalation and adherence to international humanitarian law.
Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, conveyed the deep concern of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) to reporters on Thursday, highlighting the intensifying conflict and its devastating consequences for innocent lives.
Deadly Drone Strike in South Darfur
A particularly alarming incident occurred on Monday in the town of Katila, located approximately 150 kilometres south-west of Nyala in South Darfur State. According to OCHA reports, a drone strike on a location reportedly under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) resulted in the tragic deaths of an estimated 30 civilians. Numerous others, including women and children, sustained injuries in the attack, underscoring the brutal impact of aerial bombardments on non-combatant populations. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the indiscriminate nature of the ongoing conflict.
Deteriorating Security in South Kordofan
The security situation in South Kordofan State is also experiencing a rapid and concerning deterioration. Haq detailed that drone strikes have impacted not only the state capital, Kadugli, but also the town of Dilling. The ensuing insecurity and heightened inter-communal tensions have forced a significant number of residents to flee their homes. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that between Monday and Wednesday alone, over 1,300 individuals were displaced from villages in the localities of Kadugli, Talawdi, and Abassiya. This mass displacement highlights the pervasive fear and instability gripping the region.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Amidst Conflict
Beyond the immediate violence, the multifaceted humanitarian crisis across Sudan, particularly in Khartoum State, continues to deepen. A recent assessment involving over 1,200 families paints a grim picture of extreme food insecurity. The situation has been exacerbated by staggering price increases, with some essential goods reportedly soaring by as much as 500 per cent. Coupled with a widespread collapse of livelihoods, these economic pressures have pushed many families to the brink. Survival strategies have devolved to the desperate measures of borrowing food, skipping meals entirely, or selling their last remaining assets.
Urgent Calls for Humanitarian Access and Support
In light of these dire circumstances, OCHA has unequivocally reiterated its call for all parties engaged in the conflict to immediately cease all attacks against civilians. Furthermore, there is an urgent plea for strict adherence to international humanitarian law, with specific emphasis on the fundamental principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution in all military operations.
Mr. Haq stressed the critical need for “rapid, safe, unhindered, and sustained humanitarian access across Sudan.” He elaborated on the ongoing efforts by the UN and its partner organizations to mitigate the crisis. These efforts include:
- Expanding cash and voucher assistance programs to vulnerable populations.
- Providing emergency agricultural inputs to support food production.
- Offering livestock support to families reliant on animal husbandry for their livelihoods.
These vital programs are currently aimed at reaching 64,000 farming households and 10,000 families who depend on livestock. However, the spokesperson underscored that these initiatives are insufficient without a significant increase in international support. He urged the global community to step up its engagement and provide the necessary resources to ensure that life-saving assistance can reach those in most desperate need. The scale of the crisis demands a robust and immediate response from all stakeholders.
