Sudan Sees First Drop in Displacement, but Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Sudan remains gripped by one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally, even as data shows a small drop in the number of people displaced by ongoing conflict. Millions across the country continue to grapple with hunger, disease, and insecurity.
According to new data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), displacement in Sudan decreased by 2.4 percent between December 2024 and March 2025. Nearly 400,000 individuals returned to their places of origin in Aj Jazirah, Sennar, and Khartoum states.
While this marks the first recorded decline in displacement since the conflict escalated, IOM cautioned that it does not indicate an improvement in living conditions. Most returnees are going back to war-torn communities with little or no access to food, shelter, or essential services.
No Conditions for Safe Return
Mohamed Refaat, Chief of Mission for IOM Sudan, emphasized that conditions for safe and sustainable return are “not yet in place.” He noted the absence of critical infrastructure such as healthcare, education, and financial services.
“In many of the hardest-hit areas, fewer than 25 percent of health facilities are still functioning,” said Refaat. The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), along with affiliated militias, has left much of the nation’s infrastructure either destroyed or abandoned.
Over 30 million people—more than half of Sudan’s population—now require urgent humanitarian assistance, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Worsening Food Crisis
The crisis is particularly stark in terms of food security. An estimated 24.6 million people are facing acute hunger, with famine already confirmed in North Darfur and the Nuba Mountains. Experts warn that famine conditions are likely to spread in the coming months.
Currently, there are approximately 11.3 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sudan, making it one of the world’s most severe displacement crises. Additionally, nearly four million people have fled to neighboring countries such as Egypt, South Sudan, and Chad.
Tensions Rising in Khartoum
In the capital, Khartoum, escalating tensions continue to endanger civilians. On Wednesday, Sudanese government forces reportedly regained control of the city, pushing RSF troops southward.
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric expressed deep concern over reports of armed groups carrying out reprisals against civilians. He stressed that all parties must respect international humanitarian and human rights law.
“Civilians must never be targeted. Serious violations must be investigated, and those responsible held accountable,” Dujarric said.
Surge in Sexual Violence and Child Suffering
Women and children remain particularly vulnerable. UN agencies have documented a sharp rise in conflict-related sexual violence targeting women and girls. Among those displaced, over half are children.
Nearly 4 million children under the age of five — along with pregnant and breastfeeding women — are experiencing acute malnutrition, while over 17 million children are currently out of school due to the ongoing conflict.
Child casualties have also surged, with an 83 percent increase in deaths and injuries among children during the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
Funding Gaps Threaten Aid Response
Despite the overwhelming need for humanitarian assistance, aid efforts are falling drastically short due to funding shortfalls. As of March 26, only $276 million—just 6.6 percent—of the $4.2 billion required for the humanitarian response had been secured.
IOM’s specific response plan for Sudan, aimed at reaching 1.7 million people, is only six percent funded.
“Nearly two years of relentless conflict in Sudan have inflicted immense suffering, triggering the world’s largest and most devastating humanitarian crisis,” said Refaat. “Recent cuts in international humanitarian aid budgets are compounding the crisis and deepening the suffering.”
As conditions in Sudan continue to deteriorate, aid agencies are urging the international community to step up funding and support to prevent further human catastrophe.
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