from RAJI BASHIR in Khartoum, Sudan
Sudan Bureau
KHARTOUM, (CAJ News) -THE number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sudan has declined for the first time since the conflict erupted nearly two years ago.
The humanitarian crisis nonetheless persists.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), displacements dropped by 2,4 percent in the last three months.
This decrease is primarily due to people returning to their place of origin.
However, those who are going back are returning to areas that have suffered severe damage without adequate shelter, food, infrastructure, education and other basic services.
Since December 2024, IOM statistics indicate that 396 738 people have returned to their places of origin across Aj Jazirah, Sennar and Khartoum states.
However, displacement from North Darfur and White Nile states has increased due to heightened insecurity, and across Sudan, the need for increased humanitarian assistance remains extremely high.
Mohamed Refaat, Chief of Mission of IOM Sudan, said while many people were eager to return home, the conditions for safe and sustainable return and integration were not yet in place.
“Basic services including healthcare, protection, education, and food are scarce, and the lack of functional infrastructure and financial capacity will make it difficult for families to rebuild their lives.”
IOM reports Sudan currently hosts over 11,3 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), including those displaced both before and after the start of the conflict.
Almost 4 million people crossed into neighbouring countries, with the majority crossing into Egypt, South Sudan and Chad.
The IOM Sudan Response Plan seeks US$250 million to assist 1,7 million people in need. However, the response plan remains drastically underfunded, with only 6 percent secured.
– CAJ News