UN warns of escalating Sudan violence, dire humanitarian needs

June 10, 2025 (UNITED NATIONS) – The United Nations on Tuesday voiced alarm at intensifying violence in Sudan’s Kordofan region and a dire humanitarian situation nationwide, with aid operations hindered and a cholera outbreak threatening Khartoum.

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said recent air strikes have reportedly hit residential areas in Al Obeid, North Kordofan, injuring civilians and hampering aid delivery.

“Conflict in the Kordofan region continues to hinder aid operations, leaving many people in need out of reach,” said Farhan Haq, a U.N. deputy spokesman. He added that ongoing battles have moved closer to critical routes used by herders to move livestock.

The humanitarian crisis remains acute in other parts of the country. In Northern state, U.N. partners reported the arrival of nearly 6,000 newly displaced people from North Darfur in late May, many of whom are elderly, wounded or sick and in urgent need of medical care, water and protection services.

In Khartoum state, health authorities recorded over 1,300 new cholera cases between May 26 and June 1. While this is a sharp decrease from 7,000 cases the previous week, the U.N. cautioned that underreporting might mask the outbreak’s true scale.

OCHA also reported a complex displacement pattern, with about 1.2 million people returning to their homes since December, primarily in Al Jazirah, Sennar and Khartoum states. However, basic services in these areas are severely limited, and the returnees require significant support.

“The U.N. once again calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians, and unimpeded humanitarian access,” Haq said. “Greater national and international support is urgently required to scale up the response and meet rising needs across Sudan.”