The Blue Nile Regional Government has said that efforts to clear explosive remnants of war, including landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO), may delay the return of displaced residents to the border town of Kurmuk, in order to ensure a safe environment before civilians are allowed to return.
The announcement follows the Sudanese army’s recapture of the town earlier this week after months under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–North (SPLM-N) faction led by Joseph Tuka.
Abbas Ibrahim, a volunteer working in displacement camps in the Blue Nile Region, told Mashaweer that displaced people living in shelters are eager to return to their homes as soon as possible. However, the government considers securing the town and clearing explosive remnants of war a top priority, given the intensity of the recent military operations in the area.
He added that, once security operations are completed, the regional government, in coordination with the Kurmuk local administration, the Humanitarian Aid Commission, and humanitarian organizations, will begin restoring essential services to create the conditions for a safe and dignified return of residents.
Meanwhile, displaced resident Abdulrahman Hassan told Mashaweer that displaced families are looking forward to returning to Kurmuk at the earliest opportunity to resume their normal lives and benefit from the upcoming agricultural season.
He noted that the timing of their return remains dependent on military authorities’ assessment of the town’s security readiness.
