Conflict in South Kordofan State has left Kadugli effectively besieged since the beginning of the war. The subsequent blockade of the main supply route from Al Obeid to Dilling and Kadugli by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has cut the city off from the rest of the country, depriving these areas of basic goods and humanitarian aid, plunging the population into absolute deprivation. Simultaneously, attacks by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) forces on Kadugli have triggered mass displacements, with an estimated 50,000 civilians forced to flee, while those who remain are trapped under siege conditions. Within the city, conditions are severe. Food supplies are tightly controlled by local authorities, and the population faces restrictions. Despite the unprecedented humanitarian crisis, humanitarian access is severely restricted, further compounding the needs.
Hunger is now at the heart of the emergency. According to DRC’s assessment, 96% of displaced people cannot meet their basic needs, with food cited as the most urgent priority by 74% of respondents. Families rely entirely on sporadic humanitarian deliveries, mobile kitchens, and small grants. Malnutrition is widespread; 74% of households have at least one malnourished child under five, and without sustained access to food, conditions will quickly deteriorate further.
Shelter is critically lacking (78%), with people crammed into overcrowded gathering sites without basic household items. Water and sanitation are dire; 64% of IDPs lack enough water for daily use, latrines are inadequate and nearly full, and hygiene supplies are scarce, especially for women. The health system has collapsed; malaria and malnutrition are rampant, and essential drugs and nutrition supplies are exhausted.
