Sudan's Capital City Returns to Normalcy After Years of Turmoil
Khartoum, the heart of Sudan, has finally returned to the hands of its government after a tumultuous three-year civil war. The country's military-led government, led by Prime Minister Kamil Idris, has made a triumphant return to the capital, marking a significant step towards rebuilding and recovery. The war, which began in 2023, displaced millions and left the city in ruins.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, initially forced the military out of Khartoum, but the army regained control in a major breakthrough last March. The city has been struggling to recover from the devastating conflict, with approximately five million residents fleeing at the peak of the war, according to the UN. Those who remained described a harrowing occupation, including widespread looting and civilians' homes taken over by fighters.
The aftermath of the war is dire, with large parts of Khartoum in ruins. Basic services were barely functioning, as reported by UN official Ugochi Daniels in October. The government, now back in power, has vowed to improve essential services such as electricity, water, healthcare, and education. Prime Minister Idris declared 2026 as the 'Year of Peace' for Sudan, a nation that has suffered an estimated 150,000 deaths since the war began.
The conflict, sparked by a power struggle between the army's leader, General Abdel Fattah-al Burhan, and his deputy, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has been described as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. The UN estimates that around 12 million people have been displaced. International efforts to bring peace have been unsuccessful, and foreign powers have been accused of fueling the conflict by pouring weapons into the country.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has faced scrutiny for alleged support of the RSF, a claim it strongly denies. As Khartoum begins its journey towards recovery, the international community's role in supporting Sudan's peace process will be crucial in ensuring a brighter future for its people.
