Despite ongoing conflict in several regions, over 3 million displaced Sudanese individuals have returned to their homes, according to the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM). Sudan has been gripped by a devastating war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces since April 2023, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and a severe humanitarian crisis.
The fighting has forced an estimated 14 million people to flee, seeking refuge in other parts of the country or abroad. In a recent report, the IOM estimates that approximately 3.3 million Sudanese citizens had returned to their places of origin by the end of November 2025.
The number of returnees increased following a large-scale offensive launched by the army against the Rapid Support Forces in central Sudan in late 2024. The recapture of Khartoum in March 2025 encouraged many families to return to the capital city.
The IOM indicates that over three-quarters of those returning are internally displaced persons. Khartoum has registered the highest number of returnees, with approximately 1.4 million people returning to the city. Al Jazirah state follows, with around 1.1 million citizens returning.
The Sudanese government announced on Sunday that it had officially resumed its operations from within Khartoum. The first cabinet meeting in the capital since the outbreak of the war was held, marking a significant step. The government had been operating from Port Sudan in the east of the country.
While Khartoum and other cities controlled by the army in central and eastern Sudan are experiencing relative calm, the Rapid Support Forces continue to launch sporadic drone strikes, primarily targeting infrastructure. Clashes persist in other areas of the country. The situation remains fluid and the future uncertain for millions of Sudanese. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
