Khartoum: In a move signaling a potential turning point for the nation, the Sudanese government has officially returned to the capital city of Khartoum after nearly three years of operating from Port Sudan. Prime Minister Kamel Idriss made the announcement Sunday, marking what he described as the beginning of a new era for Sudan.
The government’s relocation to Port Sudan followed the outbreak of armed conflict in April 2023, which rendered Khartoum unsafe for official operations. During his address to citizens in Khartoum, Prime Minister Idriss emphasized that this return represents a crucial step in restoring the country to stability. He pledged the government’s commitment to improving essential services, particularly in the health and education sectors. Plans are underway to rebuild hospitals and rehabilitate educational institutions, with a focus on the University of Khartoum.
Prime Minister Idriss declared 2026 as “The Year of Peace” for Sudan. He outlined the government’s comprehensive plans for reconstruction, development, and economic recovery. These plans include efforts to increase the Gross National Product (GNP), reduce inflation rates, and stabilize the exchange rate of the national currency.
This move is part of a broader effort to restore administrative functions and essential services to the capital. Authorities have been implementing a gradual program to return state institutions, leveraging the improved security situation in certain areas. However, significant humanitarian and security challenges persist in other parts of the country.
Khartoum suffered extensive damage during the conflict, with government buildings, infrastructure, and essential services severely impacted. The army officially announced the clearing of Khartoum State from Rapid Support Forces elements in May 2025, after more than two years of RSF control in large parts of the state.
The conflict in Sudan, ongoing since April 2023, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and millions of displaced persons, both within the country and abroad. The return of the government to Khartoum provides a glimmer of hope amid persistent calls for peace and stability from both local and international actors.
