Sudan announces government's return to Khartoum from wartime capital

"Army-aligned government returns to the capital, which was quickly overrun by the RSF in the early days of war in 2023. Sudan's Prime Minister Kamil Idris has announced the government's return to Khartoum, after nearly three years of operating from its wartime capital of Port Sudan. In the early days of the civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023, the army-aligned government fled the capital, which was quickly overrun by rival troops."

"Today, we return, and the Government of Hope returns to the national capital, Idris told reporters on Sunday in Khartoum, which has been ravaged by the war between SAF and RSF. We promise you better services, better healthcare and the reconstruction of hospitals, the development of educational services and to improve electricity, water and sanitation services, he said."

"For close to two years, the Sudanese capital comprised of the three cities of Khartoum, Omdurman and Khartoum North (Bahri) was an active battlefield. Entire neighbourhoods were besieged, rival fighters shot artillery across the Nile River, and millions of people were displaced from the city. Between March and October, 1.2 million people returned to Khartoum, according to the United Nations. Many found a city with barely functioning services, their homes destroyed and neighbourhoods pockmarked by makeshift cemeteries authorities are now exhuming."

The army-aligned Sudanese government has returned to Khartoum after operating from Port Sudan for nearly three years following the April 2023 outbreak of fighting. The government began a gradual return after the army recaptured the city last March and has held cabinet meetings and launched reconstruction efforts. Officials promise improved services, healthcare, hospital reconstruction, better education, and upgrades to electricity, water and sanitation. The capital endured nearly two years as an active battlefield, displacing millions and leaving homes destroyed and makeshift cemeteries. The UN estimates rehabilitation of essential infrastructure would cost about $350 million.

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