Sun Jan 11 14:36:04 UTC 2026: ### Sudan’s Government Returns to Khartoum After Two Years of Civil War

The Story:

Sudan’s Prime Minister Kamil Idris announced the government’s return to Khartoum on Sunday, nearly three years after fleeing the capital due to the outbreak of civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023. The government had been operating from Port Sudan since the early days of the conflict. The move signals a gradual return to normalcy as the SAF recaptured the city in March of the past year, although the capital remains ravaged by war. The government has promised improved services and reconstruction efforts.

The capital region, comprising Khartoum, Omdurman, and Khartoum North (Bahri), was a major battlefield for nearly two years, resulting in widespread displacement and destruction. While relative calm has returned to Khartoum, battles continue in other parts of the country, including the Kordofan and Darfur regions.

Key Points:

  • The Sudanese government, led by Prime Minister Kamil Idris, has returned to Khartoum after operating from Port Sudan for nearly three years.
  • The government fled Khartoum in April 2023 when the civil war between the SAF and RSF erupted.
  • The SAF recaptured Khartoum in March of the past year, paving the way for the government’s return.
  • An estimated 1.2 million people have returned to Khartoum between March and October, finding a city with severely damaged infrastructure.
  • The UN estimates that rehabilitating Khartoum’s essential infrastructure will cost approximately $350 million.
  • Battles between the SAF and RSF continue in other regions of Sudan, including Darfur and Kordofan.
  • The war has displaced 11 million people internally and across borders, creating a massive humanitarian crisis.
  • The UN described el-Fasher in North Darfur as a “crime scene” after the RSF takeover in October, highlighting mass atrocities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The government’s return to Khartoum represents a symbolic step towards stability after years of civil war.
  • Rebuilding Khartoum will require significant financial investment and sustained effort.
  • The ongoing conflict in other regions of Sudan underscores the fragility of the current situation.
  • The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, requiring urgent international assistance.

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