Khartoum Reclaimed: Sudan’s Government is Back

The return of Sudan’s government to Khartoum marks a pivotal moment in reclaiming national sovereignty after years of conflict and fragmentation. Following the Sudanese Armed Forces’ recapture of the capital from the Rapid Support Forces, Prime Minister Kamil Idris announced the full relocation from the wartime capital, Port Sudan. This strategic move symbolizes a reassertion of governance and a commitment to national rebuilding, though it faces immense challenges in security, infrastructure restoration, and humanitarian needs.

Story Highlights

The government returned to Khartoum after operating from Port Sudan since April 2023.
The move follows the Sudanese Armed Forces’ recapture of the capital from the RSF.
Prime Minister Kamil Idris has pledged improvements in infrastructure and services.
Despite the return, the security situation remains fragile with ongoing RSF threats.

Government’s Strategic Return to Khartoum

On January 11, 2026, Prime Minister Kamil Idris announced the full return of Sudan’s government to Khartoum, marking a significant shift from its wartime capital, Port Sudan. This move follows the successful recapture of Khartoum by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) earlier in 2025, reclaiming the city from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after nearly three years of intense conflict. This strategic relocation symbolizes a reassertion of governance and a commitment to national rebuilding.

Idris has framed this transition as a “Government of Hope,” focusing on the restoration of key services such as electricity, water, healthcare, and education. The city of Khartoum, which was a frontline battlefield with extensive destruction and displacement, now faces the task of rebuilding its infrastructure. According to estimates, around 1–1.2 million citizens have already returned, yet basic services remain in disrepair.

SUDAN — The Sudanese government has officially returned to Khartoum.

Prime Minister Kamil Idris announced on Sunday that the government has resumed operations in the capital, ending nearly three years of working from Port Sudan, which served as the wartime seat of government,… pic.twitter.com/dvwnvVYaEp

— ⓉⓃ (@tesfanews) January 11, 2026

Challenges in Rebuilding and Security

The return to Khartoum is not without its challenges. The city remains under the control of the SAF, which has restored a semblance of calm following the fierce battles that once plagued the area. However, the RSF continues to pose a threat, conducting drone strikes on critical infrastructure, including power facilities and the presidential palace. Clearing landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) is ongoing, particularly in areas like El-Mugran.

Rebuilding efforts are underway, but the scale of destruction means that the process will be long and arduous. Large parts of the electric grid remain dysfunctional, and water and sanitation services require urgent attention. Despite these obstacles, there is a sense of cautious optimism as markets and small businesses gradually reopen, with digital financial services playing a vital role in the economic recovery.

Political and Social Dynamics

Politically, the return to Khartoum reinforces the dominance of the Sudanese Armed Forces and Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who remains a central figure in the country’s power structure. The government, led by PM Idris, operates within a military-dominated framework, underscoring the complex dynamics between civilian governance and military authority. Meanwhile, local communities and returnees are crucial for social stability and economic recovery, yet they continue to face significant challenges.

The international community, including regional backers like Egypt, Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, is expected to play a significant role in supporting reconstruction efforts. The United Nations and IOM highlight the urgent need for approximately $350 million to restore essential infrastructure, emphasizing the scale of the humanitarian crisis.

Watch the report: Federal ministries return to Khartoum after two years