Sudan’s military-led administration has ended a curfew and state of emergency declaration in Khartoum that was imposed more than two years prior, according to announcements from state media. The decision comes 18 months after the army reclaimed control of the capital from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with which it has been engaged in an ongoing civil conflict now in its fourth year.
The lifting of restrictions is intended to facilitate the restoration of regular activities in the city. Authorities have reopened the main airport for selected flights and are actively working to attract businesses and diplomatic missions back to Khartoum. According to the International Organization for Migration, more than two million individuals from the approximately five million residents who evacuated the city since fighting began in April 2023 have since returned, with conflict in the capital concluding in March 2025.
Despite the policy changes, residents face significant obstacles in resuming normal operations. Extensive destruction, widespread looting, and persistent power outages stemming from alleged RSF drone strikes against electrical infrastructure plague the city. Government officials have cited looting of copper wiring, fuel theft, and ongoing attacks as primary causes of electricity shortages. An RSF representative disputed these claims as fabricated military messaging.
Security concerns persist despite the lifting of emergency measures, with authorities continuing patrols and requiring identification documentation for nighttime travel. The army has maintained security operations targeting suspected RSF operatives, undocumented individuals, and criminal organizations.
Beyond Khartoum’s borders, the conflict shows signs of expanding regionally. Chad has accused the Sudanese military of conducting an airstrike on a military convoy within its territory on August 20, prompting heightened border alerts. Sudan rejected the accusation and denied striking Chadian targets. The United States has expressed concern about regional destabilization, with American officials urging both parties toward a humanitarian ceasefire. Additionally, the US has proposed extending arms embargoes and banning attack drones across Sudan, measures the Sudanese government has rejected as inequitable toward its military position.
Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source
Article summary produced by Claude AI