Kordofan Region
Why in News?
- Recent displacement surged, with over 7,000 fleeing South Kordofan and 2,000 from North Kordofan; the region now hosts over 1 million displaced people.​
- SAF renewed efforts to retake oil-rich areas from RSF, thwarting sieges on el-Obeid, though locals doubt full security.​
- Kordofan Region in Sudan is currently a major hotspot in the ongoing civil war due to escalating clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Location and Geography
- Comprises three states (North, South, West Kordofan) in central Sudan, between Khartoum and Darfur; population around 8 million.
- Oil-rich with vital pipelines for South Sudan exports; strategic link between RSF western strongholds and SAF eastern/northern areas.
Conflict Background
- Part of Sudan's civil war since April 2023 between SAF and RSF; Kordofan campaign intensified in 2025 as RSF/allies (like SPLM-N) push into SAF-held towns.
- SAF controls some oilfields but faces RSF threats to infrastructure like Heglig; airstrikes have killed civilians, fueling resentment.​
