The International Organization for Migration has operated its first voluntary return flight from Khartoum since Sudan’s war erupted in April 2023, reopening a route for stranded migrants seeking to return to their home countries.
The charter service was organized through the IOM’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration programme. The UN agency described the operation as an important step toward restoring humanitarian services in the war-damaged capital.
Passengers included men, women and families who had lost their livelihoods and faced difficulties obtaining identity documents or arranging conventional travel because of the conflict.
The flight was coordinated with Sudanese authorities, diplomatic missions and humanitarian partners. The IOM said the operation would help expand assistance to migrants in areas where essential services had previously been disrupted.
“Today’s flight demonstrates the importance of sustained collaboration among humanitarian, diplomatic and government partners in ensuring safe and dignified return options for migrants who wish to go home,” the IOM’s chief of mission in Sudan said.
The initiative supports migrants stranded across Sudan, including nationals of Niger, Nigeria and Ethiopia. The European Union funded the charter operation through an initiative covering registration, counselling, transportation and reintegration assistance.
Nigerien consular officials in Cairo issued emergency travel documents, while Sudan’s Passport and Immigration Authority handled departure procedures.
The returnees will receive reception services and reintegration packages after reaching their home countries, helping them rebuild livelihoods disrupted by Sudan’s conflict.
