Sudanese return home but face devastation and shortages

In recent months, Sudanese citizens who were internally displaced have begun returning to their homes as military forces successfully regained control over the capital, Khartoum, and other regions previously occupied by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The International Organization for Migration estimates that around 400,000 internally displaced individuals have returned to the Khartoum area, Gezira province, and southeast Sennar province, despite significant destruction in their neighborhoods. Many are returning with hopes of stability but finding their communities devastated by war. Reports indicate that essential services such as food, water, electricity, and governance are critically lacking in those regions. This lack of infrastructure has caused anxiety among returnees regarding their and their children’s well-being. Individuals like Ahmed Abdalla have shared their emotional struggles as they separate from family members, with hopes of a better future in a homeland they long to revive. Some prefer to return first to evaluate the situation before bringing their families back with them. Humanitarian workers, such as Salah Semsaya, note that many returnees faced dire conditions upon arrival in their former homes, which prompted some to seek refuge in temporary shelters once more. Despite the grim conditions, there are accounts of those like Mohamed Karaka, expressing strong emotional ties to his homeland and a desire to rebuild life in Sudan rather than remaining in foreign exile. He shares the longing for a normal life, underscoring the complexity of emotional and practical decisions facing displaced families during this transitional period. As they navigate the remnants of war-torn neighborhoods, the re-establishment of safe living conditions will be a fundamental aspect for returnees to consider when forming their next steps. The situation highlights the fragility of recovery efforts following intense conflict, where many survivors face a shared uncertainty about the future while grappling with the scars of ongoing devastation. With ongoing challenges, the prospect of rebuilding and finding stability in Sudan remains uncertain, and it will require sustained efforts from both the local population and international support for recovery initiatives.