Sudan’s IDP Numbers Decline by 1.65 Million Since January 2025, Says UN Report
The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sudan has fallen by nearly 1.65 million since the start of 2025, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The decline is mainly attributed to large numbers of people returning to their home areas after months of displacement.
By late July 2025, around 9.9 million people remained displaced across Sudan’s 18 states. This figure represents a significant drop from the record 11.5 million IDPs registered in January, the highest ever recorded in the country.
Eastern states recorded the largest decreases:
- Kassala: 20% fewer IDPs
- Red Sea: 14% fewer
- River Nile: 11% fewer
Many of those displaced in these states have gone back to their original homes in Khartoum, Al Jazirah, Sennar, and other regions.
However, displacement continues in conflict zones. In Darfur, especially around Al Fasher in North Darfur, clashes have forced repeated movements, with families seeking shelter in nearby localities.
Since the war erupted in April 2023, more than 7.5 million people have been newly displaced. The main states of origin include Khartoum (31%), South Darfur (21%), and North Darfur (20%). Almost half of displaced households (47%) are currently hosted by other families.
Cross-border movements remain high as well. While 272,361 people returned from Egypt to Sudan between January 2024 and mid-2025, more than 4.2 million Sudanese have fled to neighboring countries such as Egypt, Chad, and South Sudan since the start of the conflict.
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