Red Cross: Hundreds killed and 90% of the population displaced in some areas of Kordofan

July 31, 2025 (PEN) The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) revealed that attacks on civilians and vital infrastructure in Sudan's Kordofan states, including hospitals, markets, and residential areas, have caused "a large number of casualties," mass displacement, and a near-total collapse of basic services.

"The fighting has escalated sharply since the beginning of 2025, killing hundreds," said Daniel O'Malley, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation in Sudan, noting that "90% of the population has fled some of the affected areas."

O'Malley explained that explosive remnants of war pose a serious threat to civilians, particularly those fleeing conflict zones or returning to their homes. He added that the health situation has reached a critical stage following the targeting of medical facilities, the flight of healthcare workers, and the destruction of hospitals.

According to the Red Cross, displacement rates have increased in North, South, and West Kordofan states, with many families forced to flee repeatedly due to shifting battle lines. Damage to supply routes has also cut off some areas from aid for months.

O'Malley noted that "restrictions on the movement of goods have exacerbated the acute shortage," warning that the lack of food, healthcare, and safe escape routes "complicates the worsening humanitarian crisis."

According to the committee, the cholera outbreak, which has already infected more than 7,800 people, poses an additional threat, especially given the weak health sector and the approaching rainy season.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) called on all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, warned against targeting civilians or civilian infrastructure, and emphasized that protecting civilians and ensuring their access to aid is a "moral and legal obligation."