Nearly 4.7 million Sudanese displaced by more than three years of conflict have returned to their communities as security improves in parts of the country, new data released by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) on Thursday has shown.
According to IOM’s latest Sudan Displacement Snapshot, 4.65 million people had returned to their areas of origin by the end of June, while the number of internally displaced people fell to 8.69 million. This translates to a 25 per cent decline from the record 11.6 million displaced at the height of the crisis in January 2025.
“The Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) recorded an estimated 8,685,273 internally displaced persons, and 4,649,056 returned individuals across Sudan. IDPs were originally displaced from all 18 states in Sudan, and were recorded across 185 localities, across all 18 states,” the snapshot says.
The growing return movement appears to be closely tied to improving security in parts of the country. According to IOM, the largest returns were recorded in Khartoum and Aj Jazirah states after the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) regained control of Khartoum, Sennar and Aj Jazirah from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), allowing more families to begin the journey home.
"The vast majority of households (87 per cent) returned due to improved security at the return destination or place of origin,” the snapshots say, adding that other returnees cited dwindling resources in displacement areas, family reunification and improved access to basic services among the reasons for returning.
Further, the report suggests that most returnees are seeking to rebuild their lives where they once lived rather than starting over elsewhere. It also notes that 93 per cent returned to their habitual residences, while 82 per cent came back from displacement sites within Sudan. The remaining 18 per cent returned from abroad, mainly from Egypt, South Sudan, Libya and Gulf countries.
“Two per cent reportedly returned from Chad and one per cent returned from Uganda, while one per cent returned from other countries, including Ethiopia and the Central African Republic,” IOM said.
However, the report warns that even as millions begin returning home, conflict continues to force fresh displacement in other parts of Sudan.
In the Kordofan region alone, more than 219,000 people have been displaced since fighting intensified in late October 2025. Although overall displacement in the region remained relatively stable during June as returns were balanced by new arrivals, the figures highlight how fragile the security situation remains.
The crisis also continues to weigh heavily on Darfur, where North Darfur and South Darfur together host nearly half of Sudan's internally displaced population. El Fasher alone accounts for 15 per cent of all displaced people in the country, highlighting the scale of humanitarian needs that persist despite rising returns elsewhere.
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