UN Sounds Alarm Over Escalating Civilian Casualties in Sudan’s Darfur and Kordofan
New York, December 12, 2025 – The United Nations has issued a grave warning regarding the escalating and indiscriminate violence that continues to afflict civilians in Sudan’s Darfur and Kordofan regions. Recent events, including a deadly drone strike in South Darfur and a rapidly worsening security situation in South Kordofan, have amplified concerns about the safety and well-being of innocent populations caught in the crossfire.
Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, addressed reporters on Thursday, conveying the profound distress of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) over the intensifying conflict.
Devastating Drone Strike in South Darfur
A particularly harrowing incident occurred on Monday in Katila, a town located approximately 150 kilometres south-west of Nyala in South Darfur State. A drone strike reportedly resulted in the deaths of around 30 civilians, with many others sustaining injuries, including women and children. The strike reportedly targeted an area under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), underscoring the devastating and often unintended consequences of aerial bombardments on non-combatant populations. Such attacks highlight the critical need for adherence to international humanitarian law, which strictly prohibits targeting civilians.
Deteriorating Security in South Kordofan
The security landscape in South Kordofan State is also experiencing a rapid and alarming deterioration. Mr. Haq reported that drone strikes have impacted not only the state capital, Kadugli, but also the town of Dilling. This surge in aerial attacks has triggered a wave of displacement. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that between Monday and Wednesday alone, over 1,300 individuals were forced to flee their homes. These displacements stem from insecurity and escalating inter-communal tensions in villages across the localities of Kadugli, Talawdi, and Abassiya.
The constant threat of violence and the destruction of livelihoods are forcing entire communities to abandon their homes in search of safety, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.
Renewed Calls for International Law Adherence
In response to these grave developments, OCHA has emphatically reiterated its urgent call for all parties engaged in the conflict to immediately cease all attacks targeting civilians. Furthermore, the organization stressed the imperative for all belligerents to strictly adhere to the tenets of international humanitarian law. This includes the fundamental principles of distinction, ensuring that combatants differentiate between civilian objects and military objectives; proportionality, ensuring that anticipated military advantage is not outweighed by expected civilian harm; and precaution, taking all feasible measures to avoid or minimize incidental loss of civilian life and damage to civilian objects.
Deepening Humanitarian Crisis in Khartoum
Beyond the immediate violence in the western regions, the broader humanitarian crisis across Sudan, particularly in Khartoum State, continues to deepen at an alarming rate. A recent comprehensive assessment conducted among more than 1,200 families has revealed deeply concerning levels of food insecurity. The situation is driven by a confluence of factors, including astronomical price increases for essential goods, with some prices soaring by up to 500 per cent. Coupled with a widespread collapse of livelihoods, many families are now facing an impossible choice: resort to borrowing food, endure skipped meals, or sell off their remaining meager assets simply to survive.
The erosion of purchasing power and the lack of stable income sources have pushed a significant portion of the population to the brink of starvation. Access to basic necessities has become a daily struggle for countless individuals and families.
Urgent Appeal for Sustained Humanitarian Access and Support
“Once again, we call for rapid, safe, unhindered, and sustained humanitarian access across Sudan,” Mr. Haq stated, emphasizing the critical need for the international community to act decisively.
The United Nations and its partner organizations are actively engaged in efforts to mitigate the impact of the crisis. Current initiatives include the expansion of cash and voucher assistance programs, which aim to provide direct financial support to vulnerable populations. Additionally, efforts are underway to distribute emergency agricultural inputs and provide crucial livestock support to approximately 64,000 farming households and 10,000 families who rely on livestock for their livelihoods.
However, the spokesperson underscored that these efforts, while vital, are insufficient without a significant increase in international support. He urged the global community to step up its commitments to ensure that life-saving assistance can reach those who are in most urgent need, before the situation deteriorates further. The ongoing conflict and its devastating consequences demand a robust and sustained response to avert a catastrophic humanitarian outcome.
