Sudan’s Displaced Population Falls to 8.6 Million as Returns Increase
Credit: AP News
Sudan had an estimated 8.62 million internally displaced people at the end of July, while nearly 4.93 million people had returned to their areas of origin, according to the latest Displacement Tracking Matrix report.
The International Organization for Migration’s DTM Sudan Displacement and Return Snapshot, Update 8, released Aug. 18, said the number of internally displaced people fell by about 62,472 from June to July, a decrease of nearly 1%. The figures are based on data collected through July 30 for internally displaced people and July 28 for returnees.
The estimated 8,622,801 internally displaced people represent a 26% decline from Sudan’s peak displacement population of 11.59 million recorded in January 2025. The number of displaced people declined in 11 of Sudan’s 18 states during July, while it increased in seven states.
The largest displaced populations were recorded in South Darfur, with about 1.77 million people, North Darfur with 1.67 million and Central Darfur with 993,352. Khartoum had 414,252 displaced people, while Blue Nile recorded 370,745.
The DTM said displacement increased particularly in Khartoum, Blue Nile and Aj Jazirah, partly because of insecurity in other states. In Khartoum, the displaced population rose 4% to 414,252, while Aj Jazirah recorded a 10% increase to 49,350.
At the same time, Sudan recorded 4,928,923 returnees, including 4.03 million people who returned from internal displacement and 896,471 who returned from abroad. Returns increased by 6% compared with the previous month.
Khartoum recorded the largest number of returnees, with about 2.51 million, followed by Aj Jazirah with 1.25 million and North Darfur with 267,761. Overall, 82% of returnees came from internal displacement, while 18% returned from other countries.
The report said 87% of returning households cited improved security at their place of origin as the main reason for returning. Other reasons included a lack of financial resources in areas of displacement, family reunification and the availability of services in areas of origin.
Cross-border movements remain significant. Since the outbreak of war on April 15, 2023, an estimated 4.67 million people have crossed from Sudan into neighboring countries. Egypt accounted for 33% of the recorded movements, followed by South Sudan at 30% and Chad at 29%.
Despite the decline in overall displacement, the DTM said displacement remains fluid, with people continuing to move because of insecurity, relocation and return movements.
The report also recorded limited flood-related displacement in July. About 115 people from 23 households were displaced after heavy rains and flooding in Tandik village, Ar Rashad locality, South Kordofan. Twenty-three houses were destroyed and 32 were partially damaged.
The DTM data were collected through a nationwide network covering 13,000 locations across 185 localities in all 18 states of Sudan.
