Sudan’s Displaced Return to Challenges in War-Battered Khartoum

People displaced by years of conflict are returning to Khartoum after the Sudanese Armed Forces declared the area free of Rapid Support Fighters. While the improvements in security allow families to come back to the capital, the reality on the ground presents immense new challenges for returning residents. Many find their houses entirely destroyed, looted, and stripped of basic household items.

Mohamed Mahdi Makki Farah, a 51-year-old trader, returned to his home near the capital after fleeing to North Darfur in June 2023. Upon his arrival, he discovered his property was ruined and his business capital severely diminished due to currency depreciation. Like millions of other returnees, his family now faces high living costs, expensive rent, and severe shortages of water and electricity. Public healthcare is limited to operating government health centres, and important personal documents must be replaced from scratch.

Data from the International Organization for Migration indicates that approximately 5.27 million displaced individuals have returned across nine states, with children making up about half of the total. A United Nations High Commission for Refugees assessment noted that nearly 2.5 million people have returned specifically to Khartoum state. However, the agency cautioned that returning does not guarantee suitable living conditions, as infrastructure damage leaves many struggling with limited employment and damaged homes.

Abubakr Ishaq Hamed Ibrahim, 40, faced a similar situation after returning from River Nile state. With his home and belongings completely gone, he struggled to pay rent in Omdurman and now depends entirely on casual work. Savings have been exhausted and debts incurred to cover daily basics, though some families receive in-kind food assistance from organizations like the World Food Programme.

Many displaced Sudanese returning to Khartoum face destroyed homes, severe financial hardship, and scarce basic services.

Why it matters

The capital was one of the first areas to be affected, and one of the worst hit, by the war between the SAF and the RSF. While government victories have enabled millions to return home, the ongoing destruction of infrastructure and lack of stable income sources mean that basic survival remains an uphill battle for returning families.