The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that from November 2024 to September 2025, families returned to Khartoum from all over Sudan, aiming to restart their lives after prolonged displacement. Ugochi Daniels, IOM Deputy Director General of Operations, highlighted the dual nature of the return as a sign of resilience and a warning. Daniels observed that people are returning to a city still affected by conflict, with damaged homes and limited basic services. Despite the return of many, Khartoum still houses about 3.77 million displaced people, making current returns only a fraction of those uprooted. An estimated 2.7 million more individuals could go back if conditions improve. During the same period, Sudan recorded 2.6 million return movements, with 523,844 coming from countries like Egypt, South Sudan, and Libya.
Though there are isolated pockets of stability, the humanitarian situation in Sudan remains severe, with cholera, dengue, and malaria spreading. Daniels emphasized the need for clean water and healthcare investments. Many returnees live in damaged homes or overcrowded centers, lacking essential services, with over half residing in rural areas and nearly half being children. UNICEF/Proscovia Nakibuuka reported ongoing clashes and insecurity causing further displacement.
In El Fasher, North Darfur’s capital, violence has forced over a million people to flee since the conflict between government forces and RSF militias began in April 2023. Many are trapped, facing bombings, sexual violence, and ethnic attacks, with some resorting to eating animal food to survive. Recent field reports noted over 13,000 new displacements in North Darfur and West Kordofan from October 15 to 20, with UN teams assisting those affected. Displaced families from Tawila received aid after escaping El Fasher, though access is challenging. Farhan Haq, UN deputy spokesperson, stated efforts to increase response where possible.
Sudan’s civil war involves the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, who turned against each other in April 2023, displacing over ten million people and devastating parts of Khartoum. The IOM continues to provide life-saving assistance and enhance data collection for relief efforts. The agency urged warring parties to end the conflict and pursue lasting solutions, recognizing the Sudanese people’s remarkable resilience and desire to rebuild despite fragile conditions.
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