Khartoum returnees face severe shortages and safety risks

Following the army's recapture of Khartoum, approximately 2.7 million people have returned to Sudan's capital. However, many residents face severe hardships that make daily life nearly unlivable.

Despite government efforts to normalize the city by reopening the airport and encouraging officials to return, infrastructure remains broken. Residents report frequent, multi-day outages of electricity and water, alongside critical shortages of essential medicines. While some hospitals have been rebuilt, medical professionals note that patients are often forced to purchase their own supplies due to lack of stock.

Safety remains a primary concern. The United Nations has indicated that as little as 1% of the city's area may be free from danger due to unexploded shells and booby-traps hidden in streets and homes, which have caused numerous injuries and deaths among children. Economic instability also persists, with high unemployment and rising costs making it difficult for returnees to sustain themselves. Consequently, many families are choosing to relocate to neighboring countries like Egypt or the United Arab Emirates to seek stability and healthcare.