More than 1.1 million people have returned to Sudan from neighbouring countries since the beginning of 2024, according to data from the International Organization for Migration’s Displacement Tracking Matrix.
The figures show that around 1,110,605 returnees crossed into Sudan between January 2024 and August 2026.
About 80% of those returning came from Egypt, while 20% arrived from Chad. Less than 1% returned from Ethiopia and Eritrea.
According to the data, 54% of returnees said improved security conditions in their areas of origin were the main reason for going back to Sudan.
Other reasons included visiting family, cited by 21%, employment and business opportunities in Sudan, cited by 20%, and legal difficulties faced while living abroad, also cited by 20%. Respondents could report more than one reason for returning.
Public transport was the most common means of travel, used by 74% of returnees. Around 13% travelled on foot or by animal-drawn carts, 12% used private vehicles and 2% travelled in large commercial vehicles.
The IOM data showed that about 68% of people crossing into Sudan planned to return to their areas of origin within the following three months.
Another 21% intended to move to other parts of Sudan, while 11% said they planned to leave the country again.
Among those planning to travel abroad again, 45% identified the Central African Republic as their intended destination, followed by Chad at 40%, Egypt at 6% and Libya at 5%.
The Displacement Tracking Matrix also monitors people returning from abroad through return locations across Sudan.
It said the total number of people recorded crossing into Sudan from neighbouring countries may differ from the number registered at return locations because of differences in monitoring methods and geographical coverage.
The figures were reported by local Sudanese media, citing IOM displacement-tracking data.
