The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported on October 24, 2023, that more than one million people have returned to Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, in the past ten months. This return occurs despite the ongoing devastation caused by the civil war, which has left basic services severely damaged and the city in a precarious state.
The IOM highlighted that the returnees face numerous challenges, including outbreaks of diseases, destruction of homes, and compromised infrastructure. These conditions pose significant risks for those who have chosen to return. “The scale of return to Khartoum is both a sign of resilience and a warning. I met people coming back to a city still scarred by conflict, where homes are damaged and basic services are barely functioning,” stated Ugochi Daniels, IOM Deputy Director General for Operations.
Despite the influx of returnees, the IOM noted that this number represents only about a quarter of the total individuals displaced by the ongoing conflict. Currently, Khartoum continues to host over 3.7 million displaced persons.
Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the United Nations, indicated that efforts are being scaled up to address the needs of returnees and displaced individuals wherever access permits. “We and our partners continue to scale up our response efforts where access allows,” Haq added.
The report from the IOM comes on the heels of concerns raised by senior UN officials about the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Approximately 30 million people are reported to be in urgent need of humanitarian assistance as the civil war persists. This ongoing conflict has led to widespread violence, including indiscriminate shelling, sexual violence, and attacks targeting specific ethnic groups.
In a separate incident, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights recently condemned the killing and injuring of numerous civilians in El Fasher, underscoring the urgent need for international bodies to address the deepening crisis in Sudan.
As the situation remains dire, the international community faces mounting pressure to respond effectively to the humanitarian needs of the Sudanese population. The return of over one million people to Khartoum, while a testament to resilience, reflects the urgent need for comprehensive support and rebuilding efforts in the war-torn region.
