Minister of Human Resources: 4 Million Sudanese Want to Return Voluntarily
Minister of Human Resources and Social Welfare, Mutasim Ahmed Saleh, stated that approximately four million Sudanese wish to return voluntarily to their homeland without being forced by any party or country.
Speaking at a press conference held in Cairo on Tuesday on the sidelines of the launch of the second group of voluntary returnees, the minister affirmed that the state has succeeded in achieving security stability in 11 states. He urged citizens not to heed rumors circulating about a security breakdown and a lack of services.
He explained that electricity service has been restored to 80% of Khartoum and several other states, while logistical services are witnessing a marked improvement.
He revealed that more than 14,700 electrical transformers were completely destroyed during the war waged by the rebel militia, explaining that rehabilitating the electricity sector presents a significant challenge due to the time required to import the transformers. He commended the Ministry of Finance’s efforts in securing them.
He noted that electricity service has been restored to large parts of Khartoum State, while the government has managed to restore water services to 25% of the total, despite the extensive damage inflicted on the sector.
The minister added that several Arab countries support Sudan in regional and international forums and contribute to strengthening its security and stability.
He unveiled a five-year plan for the period from 2026 to 2030 aimed at providing livelihoods by supporting more than three million small projects, thereby contributing to improving the economic conditions of citizens.
The minister announced that the poverty rate has risen to 73%, clarifying that this figure includes Sudanese citizens both inside and outside the country. He also indicated that there are approximately nine million internally displaced persons whose livelihoods have been affected by the destruction of their means of subsistence.
He stated that the ministry is focusing during 2026 on building partnerships aimed at implementing 500,000 projects for youth and women, in addition to agricultural projects that include providing seeds and fertilizers. He added that 15 partnerships have been established to support women’s groups, praising the women’s success in managing these projects with dedication and efficiency.
He also announced the readiness of more than 10,000 projects for beneficiaries, urging those returning from abroad to take advantage of the available opportunities.
The minister explained that the state is working to create a suitable environment for the return of citizens and to provide job opportunities, especially after the resumption of operations through financing outlets such as banks, the Zakat Bureau, and the Poverty Reduction Commission.
He commended the role of the Zakat Bureau in implementing the voluntary return project, indicating that the project aims to operate 200 buses to transport approximately 10,000 Sudanese who cannot afford the costs of returning. He emphasized the urgent need for the return of teachers and qualified personnel to contribute to the recovery and reconstruction phase.
He indicated that the ministry is currently operating at no more than 10% of its operational capacity, while the government is working to reinstate employees to their positions. He emphasized that no decisions have been issued to reduce the workforce and that labor laws guarantee the full protection of employee rights.
The minister affirmed the existence of grassroots efforts to rehabilitate hospitals and provide medical equipment and supplies, while also leveraging Egyptian expertise in vocational training and reconstruction. He noted the availability of scholarships and training opportunities for Sudanese residents in Egypt.
He stated that the health insurance program has adopted the slogan “A health center in every locality,” with the inauguration of more than 80 model health centers offering free health insurance services, in addition to the establishment of 70 medical camps.
The minister revealed that approximately 90% of health insurance centers have been reopened, emphasizing the government’s continued efforts to improve health services and provide a decent life for citizens.