The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sudan has decreased by 2.4% over the past three months—the first decline since the crisis began nearly two years ago, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM)
The organization attributed this decline mainly to the return of some displaced individuals to their home areas, despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis there.
In a report released on Thursday, which “Al-Hamish Voice” reviewed, the IOM stated that 396,738 people have returned to the states of Al-Jazira, Sennar, and Khartoum since December 2024, attempting to rebuild their lives after months of conflict. However, they are returning to areas devastated by widespread destruction and severe shortages of shelter, food, and basic services. Meanwhile, displacement has increased in North Darfur and White Nile states due to worsening security conditions.
Mohamed Rafaat, head of the IOM mission in Sudan, emphasized that “Although many people are eager to return to their homes, the essential conditions for a safe, stable, and lasting return remain unavailable.” citing severe shortages in essential services such as healthcare, education, and protection, as well as the lack of infrastructure and financial resources needed to rebuild their lives.
According to the latest update from the IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix, Sudan currently hosts 11.3 million internally displaced persons, including those displaced before and after the conflict began. The majority of displacement cases originate from Khartoum, South Darfur, and North Darfur. Additionally, nearly four million people have crossed borders into neighboring countries, primarily Egypt, South Sudan, and Chad.
Most displaced individuals face difficult humanitarian conditions, with limited access to basic services. , and according to the report, Children make up more than half of the displaced population, including 27% under the age of five and 28% of girls under 18.
Rafaat described the ongoing conflict as “the world’s largest and most severe humanitarian crisis,” with more than 30.4 million people -over half of Sudan’s population – in need of humanitarian assistance, including 16 million children. He added that cuts to international aid budgets are worsening the crisis and increasing the suffering of those affected.
The IOM is seeking to raise $250 million to assist 1.7 million people in urgent need of support. However, as of February 2025, only 6% of the required funding has been secured.
