Official sources report that over 200,000 individuals have been newly displaced in Sudan due to intensified conflict and destructive flooding since last year. The crisis has displaced approximately 8.6 million people since the April 2023 onset of hostilities, with a significant portion remaining in exile across neighboring nations. Active hostilities persist between Sudanese government forces and opposing rebel groups in multiple regions.
“The escalating warning cannot be disregarded,” stated IOM Director General Amy Pope. “Entire households are experiencing dual crises—fleeing violence, losing access to clean water, medical services, and electricity, while simultaneously confronting devastating floods,” Pope emphasized. “Immediate intervention is critical to prevent irreversible human suffering.”
Key Developments:
In North Kordofan State, ongoing conflicts and drone attacks on El Obeid’s central power infrastructure have caused extended blackouts, impairing water systems, healthcare operations, and communication networks.
The Sheikan locality within Kordofan has seen a 25% rise in displacement over eight months, contributing to a broader regional displacement wave exceeding 200,000 since late 2025.
In Blue Nile State, clashes near Geissan displaced nearly 8,000, with some refugees relocating to Ethiopia. Meanwhile, West Darfur recorded over 18,000 new displacements by mid-August.
In North Darfur, torrential rains destroyed or damaged 1,350 shelters in Tawila’s camps last week, forcing more than 1,000 families to flee. Additional flooding in Kabkabiya and Shangil Tobaya displaced additional households to temporary shelters.
Over the past 72 hours, IOM has distributed 1,750 metric tons of aid, including 17,750 hygiene kits and 850 tents, directly supporting 110,750 residents in critical areas. This assistance will expand to benefit over 400,000 people in the coming days.
Young women queue for humanitarian aid at a Sudanese displacement camp.
Meanwhile, approximately 4.5 million individuals have returned to Sudan over the past 18 months, including substantial numbers heading to Khartoum. However, these returnees often face devastated infrastructure—lacking water, electricity, healthcare, and educational facilities.
IOM collaborates with other UN agencies to support returnees and those unable to reside in damaged regions due to persistent hostilities.
“Sudan represents one of the globe’s most extensive displacement emergencies,” Pope reiterated. “IOM remains focused on emergency relief, but accelerated funding is vital to prevent this crisis from escalating further.”