Over One Million Return to War-Torn Khartoum Despite Dire Conditions

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced on October 24, 2023, that over one million people have returned to Khartoum, Sudan’s capital, in the last ten months. This influx occurs amidst ongoing challenges, as the city grapples with severely damaged basic services and a precarious security situation.

According to the IOM, the returnees are facing significant hardships including continuing disease outbreaks, damaged homes, and shattered infrastructure. These conditions pose substantial risks for those returning to a city still bearing the scars of conflict. Experts have noted that many individuals remain vulnerable to indiscriminate shelling, sexual violence, and ethnically targeted attacks.

Ugochi Daniels, IOM Deputy Director General for Operations, emphasized the complexity of the situation. “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,” she stated. This stark reality highlights the challenges facing returnees as they attempt to rebuild their lives in a hostile environment.

Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis

The IOM report reveals that the number of returnees represents only about 25% of those originally displaced by the conflict. Currently, Khartoum continues to host over 3.7 million displaced people, illustrating the scale of the humanitarian crisis in the region. Farhan Haq, UN Deputy Spokesperson, remarked, “We and our partners continue to scale up our response efforts where access allows,” indicating a commitment to support those affected by the ongoing turmoil.

This report follows the alarm raised by a senior UN official, who indicated that approximately 30 million people are in desperate need of humanitarian assistance as the civil war persists in Sudan. The situation has led to concerns regarding human rights violations, particularly in areas like El Fasher, where reports of civilian casualties have surfaced.

The conflict in Sudan escalated dramatically in *April 2023*, leading to widespread displacement and a growing humanitarian emergency. As international bodies call for urgent action, the plight of those affected continues to demand attention and support.

In conclusion, the return of over one million individuals to Khartoum underscores both a spirit of resilience and the dire circumstances they face. The situation remains critical, with millions still in need of assistance as the conflict shows no signs of abating.