The Ministry of Social Affairs in Sudan's South Darfur State has started making arrangements for the voluntary return of people displaced from El Fasher who are currently living in Nyala. This move comes after assurances that essential services are available and that neighborhoods in El Fasher are suitable for habitation. The ministry's efforts aim to facilitate the safe return of displaced individuals to their home city.
According to Social Affairs Minister Halima Al-Mahdi, her ministry has designed and distributed a registration form among displaced people from El Fasher in Nyala to determine how many wish to return to their home city. The registration process will continue for three weeks, allowing displaced individuals to express their interest in returning to El Fasher. This initiative began after military operations in the city came to a halt.
El Fasher, a historic city and the capital of the Darfur region, is set to be rebuilt by its own people, according to Minister Al-Mahdi. The idea of voluntary return entered the implementation phase after security was restored in the city and organizations arrived to help prepare the environment for return. The ministry's efforts focus on ensuring a smooth transition for displaced individuals.
The registration forms have been made available at five centres in Nyala: Al-Safana, Al-Khair, Al-Jair, Al-Miqdad and Al-Manar, and Al-Humaira. These centres host a total of 1,225 displaced people, with Al-Safana hosting 500, Al-Khair 125, Al-Jair 110, Al-Miqdad and Al-Manar 180, and Al-Humaira 210. The ministry is working to reach as many displaced individuals as possible.
After the registration process is completed, the ministry plans to visit El Fasher to assess the neighbourhoods with the largest concentrations of returning residents, determine the level of available services, and identify areas able to receive returnees. This assessment will be conducted in coordination with the governments of North and South Darfur states, ensuring a collaborative approach to the return process.
Minister Al-Mahdi appealed to humanitarian organizations to support the reintegration and stabilization of returnees in their areas of origin. She also highlighted the assistance provided to displaced people during their stay in Nyala, including food, clothing, and medicines. Additionally, kindergartens have been opened for displaced children, and school-age children have been enrolled in local schools.
The ministry has also supported women through small livelihood projects designed to help them generate income and meet their families' needs. With the voluntary return process underway, displaced individuals from El Fasher will have the opportunity to rebuild their lives in their home city. The ministry's efforts aim to ensure a successful reintegration of returnees.
Key points
- The Ministry of Social Affairs has begun preparations for the voluntary return of displaced El Fasher residents from Nyala.
- A registration process has been initiated to determine the number of displaced individuals interested in returning to El Fasher.
- The assessment of neighbourhoods in El Fasher will be conducted in coordination with the governments of North and South Darfur states.
