Over One Million People Return to Khartoum Amid Ongoing Crisis

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported on Tuesday that more than one million people have returned to Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, over the past ten months. This return occurs despite the severe damage to basic services and infrastructure caused by ongoing conflict. Conditions for those returning remain perilous, with continuing outbreaks of disease, damaged homes, and a lack of essential facilities.

The IOM highlighted that many returnees face threats from indiscriminate shelling, sexual violence, and ethnically targeted attacks. Ugochi Daniels, the IOM Deputy Director General for Operations, emphasized the dual nature of this situation, calling the large-scale return a “sign of resilience and a warning.” Daniels described her encounters with individuals returning to a city still scarred by conflict, where basic services are barely operational.

As of now, the number of returnees represents only about a quarter of those originally displaced by the conflict. Khartoum continues to host over 3.7 million displaced people, underscoring the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Farhan Haq, the UN Deputy Spokesperson, stated, “We and our partners continue to scale up our response efforts where access allows,” indicating a continued commitment to addressing the needs of those affected.

Recent reports from the IOM coincide with growing concerns expressed by senior UN officials regarding the humanitarian situation in Sudan. Approximately 30 million people are in desperate need of assistance as the civil war persists, which began in April 2023.

The situation has also triggered alarming reports from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding the killing and injuring of numerous civilians in El Fasher. Just days ago, the UN called upon international bodies to address the deepening crisis in South Sudan, highlighting the interconnected nature of regional conflicts.

The plight of returnees in Khartoum serves as a stark reminder of the enduring impact of the civil conflict and the urgent need for humanitarian aid. As the situation evolves, the IOM and other organizations continue to seek solutions to support those affected by this ongoing crisis.