Khartoum, Sudan — Sudan’s cabinet has re-entered Khartoum for the first time since April 2023, formally ending 33 months of exile in Port Sudan, according to official statements released on Sunday. Prime Minister Kamel Idris landed at Khartoum International Airport alongside army chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan and senior ministers, then toured the partially repaired presidential palace.
Idris told waiting staff the “government of hope” would immediately begin restoring electricity grids, water plants, hospitals and schools “street by street”, but gave no timetable or budget.
The army says it secured the airport, palace and adjoining ministries during a three — week ground offensive concluded last March. Satellite images show most central districts still littered with destroyed armour and roofless buildings; independent journalists remain barred from large parts of the conurbation.
While the ceremony marks a symbolic win for the military, fighting continues south — west of the capital.
Local sources report overnight artillery duels in Omdurman and Bahri, and the United Nations notes that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) still hold roughly 70 % of national territory, including Darfur and the key Gezira agricultural belt.
The UN also warns that 11 million people are displaced and pockets of famine have been confirmed around el-Fasher.
RSF social — media channels dismissed the cabinet’s return as “a staged photo-op”, claiming their fighters withdrew tactically and remain close to the city perimeter.
The claim could not be independently verified. Humanitarian agencies say restarting basic services will require safe passage for aid convoys and trained civilian staff, both still scarce.
“Ministers arriving is one step; governing safely is another,” an independent observer noted.
Further details on reconstruction plans are expected when the cabinet convenes in Khartoum later this week.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 4*
