IOM Records Decline in Number of Displaced Sudanese for the First Time

Geneva – Sudanhorizon
For the first time since the outbreak of war in Sudan, international organisations have reported a decline in the number of displaced Sudanese. This development coincides with victories by the armed forces on the ground, fostering a sense of security among civilians and inspiring hope for a better future. This encourages them to remain in their areas and facilitates the return of those who were previously displaced, as the sources of fear and intimidation have diminished, eliminating the need for displacement.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has announced that the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sudan has decreased by 2.4% over the past three months. This marks the first documented decline since the war erupted nearly two years ago. However, the organisation did not acknowledge that this period coincides with the Sudanese Armed Forces’ strategic offensives, shifting from a defensive position to a more proactive stance. This same period witnessed the recapture of vast areas in White Nile, Al-Jazira, Sennar, Khartoum, and North Kordofan states, culminating in the reclaiming of the Republican Palace and Khartoum International Airport. General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, the head of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, subsequently declared: “Khartoum is free.”
Displacement, in its simplest definition, refers to the forced movement of individuals from their original place of residence to another location in search of security, shelter, food, or medical care, which may be unavailable or denied due to compelling and external circumstances. The causes may be natural, such as disasters, or man-made, such as war, community conflicts, or tribal disputes.
According to the IOM, this decline in displacement is primarily due to the return of displaced persons to their original communities, which is considered a positive development. However, the organisation cautions that returnees are going back to areas that have suffered severe damage and still face significant shortages of shelter, food, infrastructure, education, and other essential services.
A press statement issued by the IOM today (Thursday) highlighted that in December 2024, 396,738 individuals returned to their original homes in Al-Jazira, Sennar, and Khartoum states. This movement reflects a “cautious yet hopeful shift” as communities strive to reclaim their homes and rebuild their lives after months of intense conflict.
Nevertheless, this positive development has been accompanied by an increase in displacement from North Darfur and White Nile states due to worsening insecurity. This, according to the organisation, underscores the continued and urgent need for increased humanitarian assistance across Sudan.
The IOM quoted Mr Mohamed Refaat, the organisation’s Chief of Mission in Sudan, as saying: “While many are eager to return home, the conditions for safe and sustainable return and reintegration into their communities are not yet in place.” He added: “Essential services, including healthcare, protection, education, and food, remain scarce. The lack of functional infrastructure and financial resources will make it difficult for families to rebuild their lives.”
According to the latest update from the IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix, Sudan currently has an estimated 11,301,340 internally displaced persons, including those displaced both before and after the outbreak of the conflict. The majority of IDPs originate from Khartoum, South Darfur, and North Darfur. Additionally, approximately four million people have crossed borders into neighbouring countries, with the majority fleeing to Egypt, South Sudan, and Chad.
Most IDPs are living in precarious humanitarian conditions with limited access to essential services. More than half of them are children, with 27% under five. The report also reveals that girls under the age of 18 constitute approximately 28% of the displaced population.
Since the onset of the crisis, the IOM has been implementing emergency response activities, providing life-saving assistance to an estimated 3.8 million people in Sudan and neighbouring countries. The organisation emphasises that humanitarian aid remains critical to ensuring safe returns and delivering immediate relief, including food, shelter, healthcare, protection, and access to essential services, to support affected populations in rebuilding their lives.

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