Nearly 4 million people have returned to their homes in Sudan since the conflict began, hoping to rebuild their lives. However, many are returning to damaged houses, limited services, and uncertain conditions, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Most of the returns have occurred in Khartoum and Aj Jazirah, where security has improved in some areas. IOM states that many farmers continue to deal with broken equipment and infrastructure, making it more difficult to resume food production.

Local communities were already experiencing economic hardships before the return of nearly 4 million people, while around 9 million people remain displaced within Sudan. The IOM says recovery efforts should not just provide immediate assistance, but also create jobs and resources to support long-term recovery.

Funding remains a major challenge. IOM’s 2026 Sudan Crisis Response Plan is currently short by $97.2 million, while more than 2 million additional people are expected to return to Khartoum this year. The organization is calling on international partners to increase support to help returnees rebuild their lives and ensure their return is sustainable