Two-year curfew lifted in Sudan’s capital amid ongoing war

Sudan's military government has officially ended a two-year curfew and state of emergency in the capital city of Khartoum. The city was under the control of paramilitary Rapid Support Forces for eighteen months before the army retook the capital. While the conflict in Khartoum has ended, the ongoing civil war in other parts of the country continues to displace people.

Over two million of the five million people who fled the capital have since returned. The government aims to return to normal life by lifting movement restrictions and encouraging businesses and foreign embassies to return. The airport has resumed limited operations. However, residents still face significant infrastructure challenges and widespread damage.

Power outages persist due to a lack of funds for repairs and suspected drone strikes on the electrical grid. The Khartoum state government stated that the targeted looting of copper wires and fuel components, alongside aerial attacks, has had a significant impact. The Rapid Support Forces deny these claims as false army propaganda.

Security remains a priority, with military patrols and nighttime checkpoints continuing to monitor for potential infiltration. Neighboring countries, such as Chad, have accused the Sudanese army of crossing their borders, leading to further instability. Chad's foreign minister called for an immediate humanitarian truce, while Sudan rejected accusations of violating its sovereignty.

The United States has condemned the Sudanese army's strikes inside Chad and called for an end to external military support. The conflict has drawn international criticism, and the United Nations Security Council is considering expanding an arms embargo to cover the entire country.