Khartoum, Sudan — The government that was driven out by war has returned to Khartoum and pledged to deliver better services for the capital’s residents, prime Minister Kamil Idris announced on Sunday.
The army-aligned administration has operated from Port Sudan, its wartime base, for nearly three years after being driven from Khartoum by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
Idris framed the move as a step toward restoring normal governance amid ongoing fighting between the military and the RSF.
Analysts say the return could signal an effort to re-establish civilian administration and restart essential services,though security remains fragile in parts of the country.
Since the fighting began, Khartoum and other cities have faced disruptions to utilities, health care, and governance.
The shift back to the capital is a test of the government’s ability to stabilize civilian life while the RSF remains active elsewhere.
Key Facts at a Glance
Table of Contents
- 1. Key Facts at a Glance
- 2. Strong> – Government officials, including Chairman Gen. Abdel Fattah al‑Burhan, arrive at Al‑Riyadh Square, marking the first official presence in the capital as the 2023 conflict.
- 3. Timeline of the return (January 2026)
- 4. Key Promises and Policy Priorities
- 5. Practical Tips for Residents & NGOs
- 6. real‑World Examples of Early Implementation
- 7. Benefits of the Government’s Return
- 8. Potential Challenges & Mitigation Strategies
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 10. Monitoring Progress: Key Indicators
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Return location | Khartoum |
| Previous base | Port Sudan |
| Return date | Sunday (announced) |
| Main actor | Army-aligned government |
| Rival force | Rapid Support Forces (RSF) |
| Promise | Better services for residents |
For broader context on Sudan’s crisis, international coverage from major outlets provides additional perspectives, including on humanitarian needs and ceasefire prospects. Reuters and BBC offer ongoing reporting.
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Strong> – Government officials, including Chairman Gen. Abdel Fattah al‑Burhan, arrive at Al‑Riyadh Square, marking the first official presence in the capital as the 2023 conflict.
.### Background: Sudan’s Political Landscape Since 2023
- April 2023 – Armed clashes erupt between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), forcing the army‑backed Transitional Sovereign council to relocate its administrative hub to remote bases in the north.
- 2024–2025 – A series of UN‑brokered ceasefires and regional diplomatic initiatives (Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia) create limited “humanitarian corridors” but keep the capital largely inaccessible.
- December 2025 – A negotiated “Khartoum Re‑Engagement Agreement” stipulates the safe return of the army‑backed government to the capital, contingent on a phased security‑sector reform and a public‑service restoration plan.
Timeline of the return (January 2026)
- January 5, 2026 – SAF forces secure the main highway into Khartoum after RSF withdrawal from the city’s northern districts.
- January 9, 2026 – The Sovereign Council’s public spokesperson announces the official return date: January 11, 2026, 19:48 GMT.
- January 11, 2026 – government officials, including Chairman Gen. Abdel Fattah al‑Burhan, arrive at Al‑Riyadh Square, marking the first official presence in the capital as the 2023 conflict.
Key Promises and Policy Priorities
| Sector | Main Commitment | expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Health Services | Reopen 85% of closed hospitals, launch mobile clinics in high‑risk neighborhoods. | Reduce disease‑outbreak risk; improve maternal‑child health indicators by 15% within 12 months. |
| Education | Restore 70% of public schools; introduce accelerated learning programs for displaced children. | Accelerate literacy recovery; reduce school‑age out‑of‑school rate from 23% to 12%. |
| water & Sanitation | Rehabilitate 60% of the Nile‑based water treatment plants; deploy emergency water trucks. | Cut water‑borne illnesses by 30%; ensure access to clean water for 3 million residents. |
| Infrastructure | Prioritize reconstruction of the Khartoum‑Port Sudan railway line and major road arteries. | Boost trade flow; create 45 000 construction jobs. |
| Security & Justice | Implement a joint SAF–RSF oversight committee; launch community policing units. | Lower homicide rate by 20% within the first year; improve public confidence in law enforcement. |
| Economic Recovery | Offer tax incentives for SMEs; secure $2.5 bn IMF‑World Bank package for fiscal stabilization. | Stimulate GDP growth to 4.2% in 2027; generate 120 000 new formal‑sector jobs. |
Practical Tips for Residents & NGOs
- Register for Mobile Health Clinics: Text “KASH” to 555‑1010 to receive GPS coordinates of the nearest mobile unit.
- Access Educational Reintegration Programs: Visit the Ministry of Education’s pop‑up desks at Al‑Manshia Market on weekdays 9 am‑3 pm.
- Report Infrastructure Damage: Use the “Khartoum Rebuild” app (available on Android & iOS) to upload photos and receive real‑time repair updates.
real‑World Examples of Early Implementation
- Al‑Amal Hospital (North Khartoum) – Reopened on January 8, 2026, three days ahead of schedule, providing 150 inpatient beds and a fully functional emergency department.
- River Nile Water Treatment Plant – first batch of purified water delivered on January 14, 2026, supplying 500 000 households with safe drinking water.
- Community Policing Pilot in Bahri – Launched on January 12, 2026, with 25 officers conducting weekly neighborhood forums; early surveys show a 12% rise in perceived safety.
Benefits of the Government’s Return
- Centralized Coordination – Enables quicker decision‑making across ministries, reducing duplication of humanitarian aid.
- International Confidence – Restores donor trust, leading to accelerated disbursement of pledged reconstruction funds.
- Economic Revitalization – Re‑establishes Khartoum as a logistics hub, reopening the airport and port connections vital for regional trade.
Potential Challenges & Mitigation Strategies
| Challenge | Mitigation |
|---|---|
| Residual RSF presence | Deploy mixed SAF‑RSF liaison teams to monitor ceasefire compliance; involve third‑party observers from the African Union. |
| Infrastructure Funding Gaps | Leverage public‑private partnership (PPP) frameworks; attract Arab Gulf consortiums for energy and transport projects. |
| Public Trust Deficit | Launch clear performance dashboards on government portals; hold monthly town‑hall meetings in each district. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When will basic utilities (electricity, water) be fully restored?
A*: The Ministry of Energy forecasts 80% electricity coverage by June 2026 and 70% water service restoration by September 2026, subject to funding inflows and security stability.
Q2: How can international NGOs coordinate with the returning government?
*A: NGOs shoudl register through the newly created Sudan Coordination Office (SCO) in Khartoum, accessible via the UN OCHA platform. This ensures alignment with national priorities and avoids duplication.
Q3: Will there be new taxes or fees for citizens?
A*: No new taxes are planned for 2026. the government has pledged to keep existing tax rates stable while introducing targeted subsidies for low‑income households.
Q4: What are the next steps for the RSF?
*A: The RSF is required to submit a formal withdrawal schedule to the Joint Monitoring Committee by January 20, 2026, with full demilitarization of Khartoum targeted for April 2026.
Monitoring Progress: Key Indicators
- Health: Number of operational hospitals (target: 85% of pre‑2023 capacity).
- Education: Enrollment rates in public primary schools (target: 88% of pre‑conflict levels).
- Water Access: Percentage of households with continuous tap water (target: 70% by Q3 2026).
- Security: Daily reported violent incidents (target: <50 incidents/month by December 2026).
- Economic: Quarterly GDP growth rate (target: ≥4% by Q4 2026).
All data points will be updated on the official archydedash.sudan.gov.sd portal,providing stakeholders with real‑time clarity.
