Atar surveyed its readers across its social media platforms to gather views and lived experiences of people who have returned to Khartoum. A total of 104 individuals responded. Below is a presentation of their responses and what they reveal about the conditions of returnees to the capital.
Approximately 79.8 percent of respondents were internally displaced persons, while the remainder were refugees residing outside Sudan. Some 72 percent reported that they are living in their original homes. Respondents’ current places of residence are distributed across all localities of Khartoum State, with half residing in Khartoum and Bahri localities. About 68 percent returned six months ago or less. Meanwhile, 46 percent of participants said that returning to Khartoum is possible, but difficult.
Respondents’ situation prior to return
Are you living in the same home?
Timing of return
Services
Responses suggest that water supply is relatively more stable than electricity. About 11.5 percent of respondents said their current place of residence is unsafe, while others described it as either safe or moderately safe. Nearly 85 percent reported that a hospital providing health services is located near their neighborhood.
What is the situation of electricity and water?
How would you describe the neighborhood you live in?
Is there a hospital nearby?
Livelihoods
Some 73 percent of survey participants said they were unable to return to their previous jobs. Around 61.5 percent rely on family members as their main source of livelihood.
Have you returned to work?
Do you rely on family members for income?
Home repairs
Approximately 85 percent of respondents said their homes required repairs. About 69.2 percent reported spending more than one million Sudanese pounds on rehabilitation and maintenance.
