Sudan’s Government Returns to Capital After Nearly 3 Years of War
Sudan’s military-led government has made a significant comeback to the capital, Khartoum, after nearly three years of operations from its wartime base in the eastern city of Port Sudan. This move marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s ongoing recovery from devastating conflict.
The Return of the Government to Khartoum
– Key Leaders Involved: General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the military’s leader, visited Khartoum’s presidential palace just hours after its recapture last year.
– Government of Hope: Prime Minister Kamil Idris announced on Sunday that the government of hope has officially returned to the capital, signaling a renewed commitment to improving conditions for the city’s residents.
Context of the Conflict
– Civil War Background: The resurgence of the government follows the overthrow of military control by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) during civil war that erupted between the two factions in 2023.
– Military Recapture: The army achieved a significant breakthrough by reclaiming the capital last March, allowing for government operations to resume in Khartoum.
The Harsh Reality for Residents
– Widespread Displacement: The United Nations reported that roughly five million people fled Khartoum at the peak of the conflict, depriving the city of its population.
– Impact of RSF Occupation: Those who remained experienced severe hardships, including mass looting and the forcible seizure of civilian homes by RSF fighters. Large areas of the city are left in ruins.
Current Situation and Future Plans
– Restoration Efforts: Prime Minister Idris revealed plans focused on enhancing essential services such as electricity, water, healthcare, and education for the beleaguered citizens of Khartoum.
– A Year of Peace: Idris proclaimed 2026 as a potential year of peace for Sudan, despite the death toll from the war exceeding 150,000, according to various estimates.
Humanitarian Crisis
– UN’s Concern: The United Nations has labeled the situation in Sudan as the world’s most dire humanitarian crisis, with around 12 million people displaced from their homes.
– Ongoing Atrocities: Throughout the conflict, both the RSF and the Sudanese military have faced accusations of committing heinous acts. International peace efforts have faltered, as both factions receive backing from foreign powers—most notably, recent scrutiny has fallen on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over alleged support for the RSF, a claim the UAE denies.
This return of Sudan’s government to its capital is not just a political maneuver; it represents a glimmer of hope for a nation striving to rebuild itself amid the scars of war. The focus now lies on sustainable rebuilding efforts and healing the profound wounds inflicted upon its people.