The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched an appeal for USD 277 million to support vulnerable populations affected by displacement and conflict in Sudan and neighbouring countries in 2026, as the crisis nears its third year. IOM Director General Amy Pope emphasized that families are facing impossible choices, having lost homes, livelihoods, and loved ones, and urgently need international support to survive and rebuild their lives with dignity and safety.
The appeal focuses on strengthening key systems to sustain and expand humanitarian response, including enhancing data and mobility tracking, expanding humanitarian hubs and supply routes, improving cross-border operations, and increasing the localization of aid to support recovery and durable solutions. A priority is expanding cross-border assistance via the inter-agency humanitarian hub in Farchana, eastern Chad, which helps deliver aid to hard-to-reach areas of Darfur and Kordofan. The plan also aims to improve operational planning through better data collection and targeted support.
Alongside emergency assistance, IOM plans to scale up recovery and resilience programs, including restoring basic services, rebuilding livelihoods, and advancing durable solutions for displaced populations. Since the conflict began in April 2023, more than 12 million people have been displaced within Sudan, with over 9 million currently internally displaced. Humanitarian needs are at unprecedented levels, with 33.7 million people requiring assistance, including food, water, healthcare, and shelter, while widespread protection risks continue to expose civilians to harm.
The crisis also affects neighbouring countries and host communities, as refugees, migrants, and returning nationals face dangers such as trafficking, exploitation, gender-based violence, family separation, and limited access to services. Chad, South Sudan, Libya, and Egypt have received an unprecedented influx, including over 1.3 million people in South Sudan and 1.2 million in Chad, with many returning nationals arriving with few assets or social networks, placing strain on fragile local systems. Immediate inclusive assistance for shelter, non-food items, cash support, water, border reception, and onward transportation is critical to prevent worsening conditions and rising community tensions.
In Sudan, large-scale displacement continues in Darfur, Kordofan, and Blue Nile states, while over 3.8 million people have returned to areas including Gedaref, Khartoum, and River Nile states. Returns are driven by perceived security improvements, economic pressures, family reunification, and challenges in host countries. Many returnees arrive to communities with damaged infrastructure, limited basic services, inadequate water and sanitation, and risks from unexploded ordnance.
IOM calls on the international community to increase support for the humanitarian response to ensure that affected populations receive urgent assistance. Without sustained funding and diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, millions in Sudan and the surrounding region will remain at risk.
