Sudan's humanitarian crisis has reached a boiling point as millions of people struggle to return to their ruined homes. The United Nations estimates that 14 million Sudanese have been displaced within their own country, making it the largest internal displacement crisis in the world.
However, amidst this chaos, a peculiar phenomenon is emerging: civilians are trickling back to the capital city of Khartoum despite the destruction and instability. This "Khartoum case" is raising critical questions about what drives people to return to conflict zones and how they survive in such conditions.
According to experts and officials, nostalgia and a fragile sense of stability following the government's recent return to Khartoum are key factors driving this trend. While the global number of displaced persons has dropped by 5.9 million by mid-2025, the regional reality remains grim. Conflicts in other parts of the world, such as Gaza, Syria, and Yemen, continue to push people out of their homes.
In Khartoum, the government's return has sent a signal of potential stability, with some experts viewing it as a "direct invitation" for citizens to follow suit. However, the infrastructure challenge is monumental, with looting operations targeting electrical infrastructure leaving many without power or running water.
For many displaced individuals, the decision to return is often emotional rather than practical. Rimah Hamed, a dentist and journalist who fled Khartoum, returned to her family home despite finding it transformed and struggling to access basic necessities. She noted that the community had developed a "psychological immunity" to the harsh conditions, adapting to shortages through grassroots initiatives.
Experts outline a hierarchy of needs for sustainable reintegration, including security, shelter, food security, and power. Rami Mahkar emphasized that security must come first, while Tom Ndahiro stressed that "relative peace" is essential for survival.
As Sudan attempts to turn the tide on its displacement crisis, the durability of this return remains untested. The displaced are fueled by resilience and longing, hoping to rebuild what the war has destroyed. But with the infrastructure challenge still significant, it remains to be seen whether this trend will endure or if more drastic measures are needed to ensure a sustainable return.
However, amidst this chaos, a peculiar phenomenon is emerging: civilians are trickling back to the capital city of Khartoum despite the destruction and instability. This "Khartoum case" is raising critical questions about what drives people to return to conflict zones and how they survive in such conditions.
According to experts and officials, nostalgia and a fragile sense of stability following the government's recent return to Khartoum are key factors driving this trend. While the global number of displaced persons has dropped by 5.9 million by mid-2025, the regional reality remains grim. Conflicts in other parts of the world, such as Gaza, Syria, and Yemen, continue to push people out of their homes.
In Khartoum, the government's return has sent a signal of potential stability, with some experts viewing it as a "direct invitation" for citizens to follow suit. However, the infrastructure challenge is monumental, with looting operations targeting electrical infrastructure leaving many without power or running water.
For many displaced individuals, the decision to return is often emotional rather than practical. Rimah Hamed, a dentist and journalist who fled Khartoum, returned to her family home despite finding it transformed and struggling to access basic necessities. She noted that the community had developed a "psychological immunity" to the harsh conditions, adapting to shortages through grassroots initiatives.
Experts outline a hierarchy of needs for sustainable reintegration, including security, shelter, food security, and power. Rami Mahkar emphasized that security must come first, while Tom Ndahiro stressed that "relative peace" is essential for survival.
As Sudan attempts to turn the tide on its displacement crisis, the durability of this return remains untested. The displaced are fueled by resilience and longing, hoping to rebuild what the war has destroyed. But with the infrastructure challenge still significant, it remains to be seen whether this trend will endure or if more drastic measures are needed to ensure a sustainable return.
its like they're chasing shadows of stability there. I mean, have you seen the state of infrastructure? No power, no water... how can anyone expect to survive like that? 
The psychological immunity thing is interesting though - it's like they're coping with what they got. But seriously, we need more support and resources for these people. Maybe some new gadgets or tech could help them access basic necessities? Like portable solar panels or water purification systems 
i mean, its emotional more than practical for some of them i get it, they wanna go back home & be with fam & friends, but like, hasnt the gov done enuf to fix the infrastructure? 
power & water r basic human rights u cant just ignore them 4 a lil sense of stability 
anyway, its good 2 see ppl adapting 2 harsh conditions thru grassroots initiatives tho 
but at the same time, I don't think we can just ignore the fact that the infrastructure is all messed up and they're still without power or water 
. It's like, if we want them to stay safe and healthy, we gotta make sure those basics are covered first 
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Maybe it's a mix of both? I don't know, man... my mind is all over the place today 
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, like Rimah's community just making do with what they have is super inspiring. But at the same time, I gotta question how sustainable this is? 14 million displaced people? that's just crazy 
that's not exactly a recipe for stability.
I hope they're getting some kind of support and help from the government or UN or whoever is trying to help them out. It just feels like this crisis is so far from being over 
They need serious help from the government and the UN before people start coming back. I mean, sure, nostalgia and all that might be driving some folks to return, but what about those who can't afford to leave? 
. The government's signal of stability is just a Band-Aid, it's not addressing the root cause of the problem. And let's be real, its all about security first 
. Without that, nothing else matters. I mean, you can have food on the table, but if your home is still being looted and you're not safe, what's the point? It's like they say, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade"... or in this case, when life takes away your power, find a way to cope 
. The displaced individuals are showing resilience, but we need to see more concrete action from the government and aid organizations to ensure their return is sustainable 
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. Something's not adding up here, and I aim to find out what it is 
. Like, is that really what's happening here? Or is it more complex than that? Are people actually doing the math and deciding that returning to Khartoum is the best option for them, or are they just hoping for some sort of rescue?
. I'm not surprised they're returning to Khartoum despite the risks. The human desire for community and roots is powerful 
. But infrastructure needs are real, so it's a delicate balance between stability and progress 
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, but we gotta ask ourselves what does 'psychological immunity' even mean 
? How do communities deal with trauma and loss on a massive scale? It's so interesting 