The Struggle for Kordofan: A Pivotal Corridor in Sudan’s Conflict

The Current State of Kordofan's Battlefield

As of late 2025, Sudan's region of Kordofan has become a critical theater in the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Fighting has intensified significantly, particularly in North Kordofan, where the SAF has successfully pushed the RSF out of much of the territory. This shift in control is alarming given the devastating toll on civilians caught in the crossfire.

Intensifying Conflict and Civilian Impact

Since the conflict escalated in April 2023, Kordofan has recorded a staggering 2,878 attacks, leading to over 12,314 fatalities. The majority of these assaults have occurred in North Kordofan, a strategic area vital for its positioning between the externally controlled regions of the army and RSF.

Drone strikes have become increasingly frequent, targeting towns and civilian infrastructure. Notable among these was a tragic strike on a college in el-Obeid that left the building's roof destroyed and claimed the lives of several individuals, highlighting the growing destructiveness of the conflict.

The Breakdown of Control

Sudan is now broadly divided between the SAF and the RSF. The SAF controls the capital, Khartoum, and a significant part of the north, while the RSF dominates the western regions, including most of Darfur and parts of Kordofan. Smaller armed groups, including allies of the RSF, maintain control over various areas, complicating the conflict's landscape.

The SAF appears to have the upper hand in northern regions, while the RSF retains control of the west. South Kordofan remains a contested area, with civilians bearing the brunt of this struggle.

Recorded Attacks and Their Consequences

Statistics Highlighting the Severity

According to data from ACLED, Kordofan has become one of the most afflicted regions in Sudan since the conflict reignited. The region has seen 2,876 attacks, split across its three states:

• North Kordofan: 1,205 attacks
• South Kordofan: 789 attacks
• West Kordofan: 723 attacks

The localities of Sheikan in North Kordofan and Dilling in South Kordofan are particularly noteworthy, having reported a large concentration of these assaults. The significant number of attacks compounds the suffering of innocent civilians and exacerbates the humanitarian crisis.

Displacement Crisis

The ongoing violence has led to a catastrophic humanitarian situation with approximately 8.6 million individuals internally displaced across Sudan. The situation has worsened notably in Kordofan, where new displacements continue to rise. Reports indicate a 65 percent increase in newly displaced individuals since fighting escalated in October 2025.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has voiced concern over the rising number of displaced persons, particularly in el-Obeid, where the threat of further attacks looms large. The warning signs are pronounced, revealing the fluidity of the conflict and the urgent need for humanitarian intervention as families flee violence.

Conclusion

The battle for Kordofan not only signifies a military struggle between the SAF and RSF but also illustrates a tragic humanitarian crisis affecting millions of civilians. With continued drone strikes and escalating violence, the region faces an uncertain future, burdened by loss and displacement. International attention remains critical to alleviating suffering, as the people of Sudan endure a conflict that shows no signs of resolution.

Conclusion

The conflict in Kordofan reflects a broader struggle within Sudan, capturing the complexity and chaos that has engulfed the country for years. As the situation develops, the impact on civilian lives remains a stark reminder of the urgent necessity for peace and stability in the region.