Khartoum: The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN agency, has reported that approximately 4.1 million displaced individuals have returned to their original regions across Sudan, offering a glimmer of hope amid one of the world's most significant displacement crises.
According to Qatar News Agency, IOM's Chief of Mission for Sudan, Mohamed Refaat, highlighted in a statement to UN News that the increase in returnees, both from within and outside Sudan, represents a positive development in the ongoing displacement situation. Refaat stated that over 80% of these returnees have come from within Sudan, predominantly returning to nine major states, including Khartoum, Al-Jazirah, and Sennar. The number of internally displaced persons has seen a 23% decline since January 2025, when the displacement numbers peaked at nearly 12 million.
The UN official noted that the rising rates of voluntary return demonstrate the resilience of the Sudanese people, who are determined to reclaim their lands despite only slight improvements in security conditions. However, he cautioned that many returnees face difficult circumstances in their original regions, which are marked by widespread destruction and a breakdown of essential services.
Refaat emphasized that in Khartoum, approximately 70% of the homes are either partially or completely destroyed, and the return areas are struggling with a severe lack of electricity, water, health, and educational services.