Sudan’s transitional leadership has officially returned to the capital city, Khartoum, almost three years after violent conflict forced the government to relocate. Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Prime Minister Kamil Idris confirmed that the administration, which he described as a “government of hope,” has resumed operations from the war-scarred capital. The announcement marks a significant political and symbolic turning point for the country, following prolonged fighting that left Khartoum devastated and largely uninhabitable for millions of residents. Military Retakes Capital After RSF Occupation The Sudanese army lost control of Khartoum in 2023 when clashes erupted between national armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group. The RSF quickly seized strategic locations across the city, forcing the government and military leadership to withdraw. In a major military breakthrough last March, government troops succeeded in reclaiming Khartoum, paving the way for the return of civilian leadership. The recapture ended a long period of RSF dominance marked by instability, widespread destruction, and humanitarian suffering. Civilian Suffering and Mass Displacement At the height of the conflict, approximately five million people fled Khartoum, according to United Nations estimates. Those who remained behind endured severe hardship under RSF control. Residents reported widespread looting, forced occupation of private homes, and violence against civilians. Entire neighborhoods were stripped of essential infrastructure, leaving much of the city unrecognizable. Large portions of Khartoum remain in ruins, with damaged roads, destroyed hospitals, and collapsed public utilities. In October, UN official Ugochi Daniels warned that essential services in the capital were “barely functioning,” highlighting the scale of recovery still required. Government Pledges Restoration of Basic Services Prime Minister Idris stated that restoring essential services would be a top priority for the returning government. He outlined immediate plans to stabilize electricity supply, water access, healthcare systems, and educational institutions across the city. The administration aims to rebuild public confidence and encourage displaced residents to return, although security and infrastructure challenges remain significant obstacles. A Declaration of Peace Amid Ongoing Crisis During the announcement, Idris declared that 2026 would be a “year of peace” for Sudan, a statement aimed at signaling a new political direction after years of bloodshed. Since the conflict began, at least 150,000 people have been killed, and the United Nations has labeled the situation the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. More than 12 million people have been forced to flee their homes, both internally and across borders. Roots of the Conflict The war originated from a power struggle between Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and his former deputy, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who leads the RSF. Their fallout triggered a violent contest for national control, plunging the country into chaos. Both the Sudanese military and the RSF have faced accusations of serious human rights violations throughout the conflict. Despite repeated diplomatic efforts, international peace initiatives have failed to produce lasting results. Foreign Involvement and Global Scrutiny The conflict has been further complicated by external involvement. Several foreign governments have been accused of supplying weapons and political backing to rival factions. In recent months, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has faced increased scrutiny over allegations that it supports the RSF. UAE officials have strongly denied these claims.
