UN Reports 28,000 Displaced in Blue Nile as Fighting Expands in Sudan

Sudan April 7, 2026 ; Escalating violence in Sudan’s Blue Nile State has displaced more than 28,000 people since mid-January, according to the United Nations, as ongoing clashes and disrupted supply routes continue to hinder humanitarian operations. The UN said displacement surged following an offensive in Baw launched in January by an alliance involving the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N). Additional attacks on Al Kurmuk and areas near Geisan in March further accelerated civilian flight. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric reported that more than 4,000 people were displaced in the last 10 days alone. Data from the International Organization for Migration indicates that 87% of newly displaced people are sheltering in informal sites, while 9% are staying in schools and other public buildings. The influx of displaced populations into Ed Damazin has placed severe pressure on food and water supplies. According to IOM assessments, 64% of displaced households lack access to clean drinking water, with many reporting long distances or non-functional water points. In addition, 73% face critical sanitation challenges, including a lack of gender-segregated facilities. Humanitarian conditions have worsened due to continued attacks on infrastructure. In White Nile State, a drone strike on Al-Jabalain Hospital reportedly killed 10 health workers, while the destruction of a medical warehouse has disrupted the supply of essential medicines. Fuel shortages in South Kordofan have further slowed relief efforts and increased operational costs. Insecurity continues to obstruct key transport routes, including the road between Rahad and Dilling. While some reports indicated partial reopening of the Dilling-North Kordofan corridor, the UN warned that the situation remains unstable, with ongoing fighting reported. Despite the security risks, the United Nations Children's Fund and the World Health Organization are continuing vaccination campaigns in parts of Kordofan to address rising measles outbreaks in overcrowded displacement sites. However, humanitarian agencies report that 65% of people in need are unable to access healthcare due to cost barriers and limited service availability. The United Nations has reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and unimpeded humanitarian access. The Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, is currently in Nairobi holding consultations aimed at addressing the worsening conflict and humanitarian crisis.