Thousands flee inter-communal violence in Sudan’s South Darfur
November 15, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – Thousands of people have fled an inter-communal conflict between the Habbaniya and Rizeigat tribes in the Al Sunta locality of South Darfur state in western Sudan, the U.N. International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Sunday.
Villages in Al Sunta have witnessed sporadic clashes between the two groups since Nov. 8.
The violence, sparked by accusations of cattle rustling, has resulted in dozens of deaths and the burning of several towns.
The IOM said in a statement that about 7,065 people were displaced on Friday and Saturday from the villages of Abyat, Al-Jurah, and surrounding areas in Al Sunta.
The agency noted that the affected populations fled to other areas within the locality, adding that the situation remains highly tense and volatile.
There are growing fears that the violence could escalate if Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighters join the fighting on behalf of their respective communities.
Both the Rizeigat and Habbaniya tribes serve as major recruitment bases for the paramilitary group, and its fighters have previously participated in tribal conflicts.
The current clashes are the second of their kind in recent months, following similar violence in the Dibab area of the neighbouring Al Fardous locality last August.
Meanwhile, the IOM reported that worsening insecurity has displaced an additional 1,380 people from the villages of Turba, Shigek Karo, and Jaktura in the Um Baru locality of North Darfur.
Most of these newly displaced families have crossed the border into neighbouring Chad.
Villages in the far northwest of North Darfur are experiencing large-scale displacement driven by ground battles and a weak humanitarian response.
The crisis is further compounded by soaring commodity prices, a lack of employment opportunities, and widespread drought affecting agricultural lands.
The localized violence in Darfur unfolds against the backdrop of a massive nationwide humanitarian crisis.
By the end of September, the IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix recorded an estimated 8.6 million internally displaced persons and 5.3 million returnees across Sudan.
According to the “Sudan Health Spotlight October-2026” report, new displacement remains concentrated in conflict-affected areas, increasing demand for services amid damaged and overstretched systems.