Drone Strikes and Mass Displacement Swell Humanitarian Gap in Sudan’s Blue Nile and North Kordofan

Multiple drone strikes hit El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, on Wednesday, prompting a fresh wave of internally displaced families. Humanitarian partners estimate that at least 15,000 families have arrived in the city during the past three weeks, overwhelming displacement sites that were already strained. The new displacement adds pressure to basic services that were already overstretched. OCHA notes that continued attacks and insecurity in the northern part of the state are driving further movement into El Obeid, compounding pressure on already limited resources.

In Blue Nile state, clashes erupted in the town of Geisan on Tuesday, leaving over 20 civilians dead and many more injured, according to local sources. The International Organization for Migration reported that roughly 2,500 people fled their homes in the aftermath of the fighting. The sudden outflow adds to the growing number of internally displaced persons across Sudan, where the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has persisted since April 2023.

The United Nations has reiterated its appeal for additional resources to sustain humanitarian operations in Sudan. The current appeal seeks nearly $3 billion, but only more than $1.2 billion has been received so far, leaving the response about 41 per cent funded. OCHA warns that without sufficient financing, the delivery of aid, protection of civilians and maintenance of essential services will remain jeopardized. The agency also urges all parties to respect humanitarian space and allow assistance to reach affected populations quickly and safely. The funding gap underscores the urgent need for donor contributions to prevent further deterioration of living conditions for displaced families.