The United Nations has voiced deep concern over renewed violence in Sudan’s North Darfur and Kordofan regions, following deadly attacks that have left civilians trapped and displaced.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said a large-scale assault in El Fasher’s Abu Shouk displacement camp, reportedly carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), killed at least 40 civilians and injured 19 more. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that exit routes from El Fasher were blocked, effectively trapping residents and cutting them off from aid. Around 500 people have fled to other parts of North Darfur.

Local reports indicate that the assault began early Monday with heavy RSF shelling targeting several locations, including the army headquarters and the Abu Shouk camp, followed by ground attacks from multiple directions. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and allied factions claimed to have repelled the offensive, killing over 200 RSF fighters and seizing or destroying dozens of combat vehicles.

In a statement, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Sheldon Yett called for safe, unhindered passage for civilians seeking to flee affected areas and condemned all deliberate attacks on civilians.

Meanwhile, in South Kordofan State, the IOM estimated that more than 3,000 people fled Kadugli town last week amid escalating insecurity. Humanitarian access to the town remains severely restricted, with virtually no road access available.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reminded all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law, emphasizing that civilians and civilian infrastructure must never be targeted, and that aid delivery must be allowed to reach all those in need.