For the first time since the outbreak of conflict nearly two years ago, Sudan has seen a reduction in the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs), according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The UN agency reported on Thursday that the number of displaced individuals has dropped by 2.4% over the past three months, with 396,738 people returning to their homes in Aj Jazirah, Sennar, and Khartoum states. However, despite this trend, IOM cautioned that conditions remain dire for returnees due to the lack of essential services.
“Many people are eager to return home, but the necessary conditions for safe and sustainable reintegration are still absent,” said Mohamed Refaat, head of IOM’s Sudan mission. He highlighted that healthcare, education, food, and protection services are scarce, and poor infrastructure, coupled with financial struggles, makes it difficult for families to rebuild their lives.
Sudan’s Crisis Still Continue
Despite the recent returns, Sudan still hosts over 11.3 million displaced individuals. Violence continues to fuel displacement, particularly in North Darfur and White Nile, where access to shelter, clean water, and medical care remains severely limited. Children account for more than half of those affected by displacement, according to IOM data.
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has escalated, with the UN describing it as one of the worst in the world. IOM has launched a $250 million appeal to assist 1.7 million people in need, but so far, only 6% of the required funding has been secured.
Meanwhile, the Sudanese army has made territorial gains in recent weeks, reclaiming areas previously held by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum, Al-Jazira, White Nile, North Kordofan, Sennar, and Blue Nile states. The ongoing conflict, which began in April 2023, has resulted in over 20,000 confirmed deaths and displaced 14 million people, according to the UN. However, US-based research suggests the death toll could be as high as 130,000.
The international community continues to call for an end to the fighting, warning that millions of Sudanese face famine and worsening humanitarian conditions if the crisis persists.