Sudan has recently emerged as a focal point in the global humanitarian crisis, now grappling with the world’s largest internal displacement challenge. With approximately 14 million people displaced within its borders, this situation highlights not only the pressing need for international support but also a complex narrative of resilience. Interestingly, while the global number of forcibly displaced individuals has dipped for the first time in a decade, Sudanese returnees are finding a fragile sense of stability amidst chaos.
Sudan is currently facing a severe humanitarian crisis, marked by significant internal displacement. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), approximately 14 million individuals have been uprooted from their homes due to ongoing conflict. This staggering number contributes to a larger global trend, with UNHCR estimates suggesting that by mid-2025, over 122 million people worldwide will be forcibly displaced.
However, amid geopolitical shifts throughout the Middle East, a notable countertrend has emerged. For the first time in ten years, the global number of displaced persons decreased by 5.9 million by mid-2025. This unexpected decline prompts critical inquiries about what motivates individuals to return to areas embroiled in conflict and how they navigate life amid destruction.
In a recent dialogue with experts and officials, including returnees, ZezapTV explored the “Khartoum case,” where some civilians are slowly returning to the beleaguered capital despite overwhelming destruction. This phenomenon is driven by nostalgia for their homeland and a tentative feeling of stability following the government’s return to Khartoum.
While the overall global figures present a slight improvement, the situation in Sudan remains dire. The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which erupted in April 2023, has severely strained the nation’s infrastructure.
The circumstances are equally troubling in other regional contexts. For instance, the Gaza Strip is witnessing significant internal displacement, affecting nearly two million people. Many have faced multiple displacements due to the ongoing Israeli offensive that commenced in October 2023. Adnan Abu Hasna, media adviser for UNRWA, describes the devastation in Gaza, with around 90 percent of homes and critical infrastructure destroyed, rendering a return to normalcy a daunting challenge for 2.5 million Palestinians who now find themselves homeless.
Similarly, protracted conflicts in Syria and Yemen continue to displace millions, with 12 million in Syria and over five million in Yemen facing harrowing conditions.
In this challenging landscape, Khartoum presents a unique scenario regarding displacement and return. The resumption of government operations in the capital signals a potential for stability. Experts, such as Adel El-Baz from the African Centre for Consulting, view the government’s return as an invitation for citizens to reclaim their homes. Former director of the Centre for Strategic Studies, Major-General Osama Abdel Salam, argues that as civilians move back into abandoned neighborhoods, security naturally enhances.
Nonetheless, the restoration of vital infrastructure poses a monumental challenge for the Sudanese government. Spokesperson Saad El-Din El-Tayeb disclosed that efforts have been underway to clear debris left by years of conflict, including tragic loss of life and extensive damage to public utilities. Authorities are working to restore services such as water and electricity while implementing initiatives to promote renewable energy, such as solar power.
For displaced individuals, the decision to return home often stems from deep emotional ties rather than practical considerations. Rimah Hamed, a dentist and journalist forced to flee Khartoum, describes her return as motivated primarily by nostalgia. Though her neighborhood is drastically changed—her home stripped bare, lacking basic utilities—the gradual return of former residents has begun the process of community rebuilding.
Experts suggest that while emotional ties prompt individuals to return, sustainable reintegration depends upon tangible resources. Tom Ndahiro, a researcher with expertise in humanitarian crises, outlines a framework for facilitating sustainable return: prioritizing security, providing shelter, ensuring food security and clean water access, and establishing reliable electricity supplies.
As Sudan tackles the immense challenge of the world’s largest displacement crisis, the durability and long-term sustainability of this return remain uncertain. Returnees like Hamed embody a spirit of resilience and hope as they aspire to rebuild their lives and communities amidst the remnants of war.
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