Millions displaced as Sudan battles for recovery since 2023

In Sudan, the ongoing conflict that erupted in April 2023 has led to the forcible displacement of over 12 million individuals, as reported by the U.N.'s refugee agency. Approximately 3.2 million of these displaced people have fled to neighboring countries in search of safety. In June 2025, with the army's reclaiming of the capital, many displaced individuals, including Afaf al-Tayeb, returned to their homes in Khartoum. However, they found their neighborhoods in ruins, with basic services such as electricity and water severely lacking. The returnees face a harsh reality of destroyed homes and looted infrastructure. The circumstances have been exacerbated by the military's recent assessments, revealing substantial damage to essential utilities, which directly impacts the ability of returning residents to reintegrate. Only a fraction of electric and water facilities remain operational, and reports indicated that looted power stations continue to hinder recovery efforts. General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, the army chief, returned to Khartoum for the first time in March 2025, representing a significant shift in the military's control over the capital. Local authorities, like Altyeb Saad, emphasized that the government has initiated actions towards reconstruction and intends to restore basic services. However, the scale of destruction necessitates billions of dollars for comprehensive reconstruction efforts. Residents' frustration has been palpable, as many question the efficacy of these 'liberation' efforts amidst ongoing shortages and insecurity in their daily lives. The situation remains dire, with many returnees like Afaf al-Tayeb expressing disappointment at the lack of support for rebuilding their lives. It's highlighted that modicum of reliance on charity kitchens has surged as essential infrastructure fails to meet the returning populace's needs. Despite the initial relief of returning to their homeland, the reality on the ground reveals significant hurdles as communities strive to reclaim their homes and lives amidst devastation and uncertainty.