UN warns thousands trapped in North Darfur, confirms famine in Kordofan

January 20, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – The United Nations warned on Wednesday that thousands of civilians are trapped without humanitarian aid in North Darfur as fighting intensifies, and confirmed famine conditions in parts of the Kordofan region.

U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is deeply concerned about at least 2,000 families stranded in the valleys of Wadi Qardi and Um Saad. These families, located in the Karnoi and Um Baru localities, are cut off from essential supplies due to escalating conflict in the north-western part of the state, which has severely restricted the movement of aid workers and local partners.

The humanitarian crisis is also deepening in the Kordofan region, where siege conditions and active combat continue to drive mass displacement. According to the International Organization for Migration, nearly 3,000 people fled the cities of Kadugli and Dilling between January 15 and 19. Many of those displaced are attempting to reach White Nile State to escape the violence.

The U.N. confirmed that famine conditions are now present in Kadugli, while Dilling is experiencing similarly extreme levels of food insecurity. Both cities remain under siege, leaving the population with little to no access to food or basic services.

In White Nile State, the influx of displaced people is straining local resources. Authorities report that nearly 2,000 people arrived in the city of Kosti over the last three weeks alone. This follows a broader trend seen since late October, with an estimated 19,500 people fleeing the Kordofan region for White Nile State.

While humanitarian agencies are attempting to scale up the distribution of food rations, tents, and hygiene services, OCHA warned that critical gaps remain due to a severe funding shortfall. The U.N. has launched a $2.9 billion Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for 2026, aiming to reach more than 20 million people across Sudan.

Haq reiterated the U.N.’s call for all warring parties to protect civilians and infrastructure immediately. He emphasized the urgent need for rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access to reach those trapped in conflict zones before the situation deteriorates further.