Sudan conflict displaces nearly 47,000 in West Kordofan – IOM

May 22, 2025 (KHARTOUM) – Recent fighting in Sudan’s West Kordofan state has displaced nearly 47,000 people, many of whom were already uprooted by the conflict, according to a report from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) seen by Sudan Tribune on Thursday.

The escalating clashes, primarily between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), have severely worsened the region’s humanitarian situation.

According to the IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) field teams, as of May 21, an estimated 46,840 individuals (9,367 households) have been displaced from Al Khiwai and Al Nuhud localities due to heightened insecurity. The report highlights that a considerable number of these individuals are internally displaced persons (IDPs) experiencing secondary displacement.

On May 1, intense clashes in Al Nuhud forced approximately 35,000 people (6,999 households) to flee their homes. While the majority (66%) of these individuals reportedly remained within Al Nuhud locality, others sought refuge in neighbouring areas such as Ghubaish (16%), Al Idai (6%), and Wad Bandah (6%).

The following day, May 2, fighting in Al Khiwai town, Al Khiwai locality, displaced an estimated 11,840 individuals (2,368 households). Most (93%) of those displaced from Al Khiwai found refuge within the same locality, while some moved to Gharb Bara and Sheikan localities in North Kordofan.

The RSF attacked Al Nuhud in early May, engaging in a two-day battle before advancing to Al Khiwai. However, the RSF suffered a heavy defeat at Al Khiwai, allowing the SAF and their allies to recapture the town on May 13.

The SAF reportedly seeks to reach Al Nuhud, intending to use it as a launchpad for operations into RSF-controlled areas of western Kordofan. This tactical move aims to prepare for potential advancements towards eastern Darfur or an effort to break the ongoing siege on El Fasher in northern Darfur.