Kordofan Region

News: UN spokesperson said that clashes between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia and the Sudanese Armed Forces in South Kordofan have intensified in recent days.

About Kordofan Region

• It constitutes the central and southern area of Sudan.
• It is located between Darfur on the west and the valley of the White Nile River on the east.
• Area: It covers an area of about 390,000 square km.
• Kordofan is divided into three federal states: North, South, and West Kordofan.
  • North Kordofan is mostly desert with sandy soils and little relief.
  • South Kordofan has clay plains with the Nuba Mountains rising to about 900 m.
  • West Kordofan has a semi-desert climate in the north and a dry savannah climate in the south with increasing rainfall.
• Economy: The Nuba Mountains contain reserves with significant mineral resources such as chromium, copper, gold, iron, manganese, and nickel; industrial minerals like graphite, marble, phosphate rock, and talc; and uranium as an energy resource.
  • The Copper Pit mineral district in southwestern Sudan is also prospective for copper, gold, gemstones, and uranium.
• Most of the people in Kordofan are Arabs.
• Conflict: The region has experienced frequent conflict, particularly during Sudan’s civil wars.
• Strategic Importance: It is strategically important because it is near South Sudan and contains major oil resources including the Heglig oil field, the largest and most strategic hub for both Sudan and South Sudan.