IOM Reports Return of Over Five Million Displaced Sudanese to Major States

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), which is affiliated with the United Nations, announced the return of more than five million displaced Sudanese to their original areas after they had left due to the circumstances of war. The organization stated that the returnees are distributed across 77 localities in 9 states, and that children under the age of 18 constitute 55% of the total returnees. The vast majority of returnees, over 80 percent, returned from within Sudan to nine major states, led by Khartoum, Al Jazira, and Sennar.

The return follows the armed conflict in Sudan since mid-April 2023 between the army and the Rapid Support Forces. This conflict has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands and the displacement of millions both within and outside the country. The return of this population strains the infrastructure and resources of the major states.