UN warns of siege-like conditions in South Kordofan, alarming malnutrition
December 4, 2025 (KHARTOUM) – The United Nations warned on Wednesday that civilians in parts of South Kordofan are trapped in siege-like conditions as the conflict intensifies, while malnutrition levels in other regions have reached alarming levels.
Civilians across the Kordofan region face extreme hardship, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York. He cited reports from the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) indicating that communities in Dilling and Kadugli in South Kordofan are effectively cut off.
“Civilians attempting to escape face grave risks along unsafe routes,” Dujarric said, noting reports of sustained attacks in Babnusa, West Kordofan.
Hospitals in the region are only partially functioning, leaving fleeing families without food, water, or medical care.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has verified 198 attacks on healthcare facilities since the conflict began in April 2023. These attacks have killed more than 1,700 health workers and patients and injured over 400 others.
“These ongoing attacks are clearly a violation of international humanitarian law and must stop immediately,” Dujarric said.
Dire conditions in Darfur
The humanitarian situation in North Darfur’s El Fasher remains critical due to severe shortages of food and water, restricted movement, and looting.
Arbitrary arrests hamper humanitarian assessments, while the influx of displaced people into Tawila has strained services. UNICEF reported rising cases of measles and suspected cholera and dengue fever in overcrowded sites.
The agency has registered nearly 950 separated or unaccompanied children in the area.
Meanwhile, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) expressed concern over “alarming levels of child malnutrition” in White Nile State following recent assessments.
Funding crisis
Despite scaling up aid—including water trucking for tens of thousands and reuniting separated children—the UN said its operations are severely underfunded.
The $4.2 billion humanitarian response plan for Sudan is only 35 per cent funded, with $1.5 billion received as the year nears its end.
“The UN urges donors to step up and remain committed to supporting the millions of people who are in such dire need across Sudan,” Dujarric said.