UN relief chief sounds alarm over escalation in Sudan's North Kordofan

UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher on Tuesday warned of escalation in Sudan's North Kordofan.



"I am again sounding the alarm on the escalating violence and rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan's North Kordofan region. We cannot allow (North Kordofan capital) El Obeid to become another El Fasher," said Fletcher in a statement.



The siege and capture of El Fasher, the capital city of North Darfur state, by the Rapid Support Forces in September and October 2025 had led to a massacre of civilians in the city.



Intensifying drone attacks are killing civilians across North Kordofan, and the risk of deeper human suffering is rising. Hundreds of thousands of civilians are in El Obeid, including many displaced by fighting elsewhere. Drone strikes are disrupting access to life-saving drinking water and electricity. With the rainy season approaching, safe water is critical to reduce the risk of cholera and other deadly waterborne diseases, said Fletcher.