Sudan’s military-led government has officially lifted the state of emergency and the long-standing curfew in Khartoum, marking a significant shift more than two years after the measures were first implemented. This policy change follows the army’s success in reclaiming control of the capital from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) 18 months ago. As the city attempts to return to normalcy, the government has reopened the main airport to select flights and is actively encouraging businesses and international embassies to resume operations in the area.

Despite the formal end of the emergency status, the path to recovery remains fraught with challenges. While the International Organization for Migration reports that over two million residents have returned to Khartoum since fighting subsided in March 2025, the city faces severe infrastructure degradation. Widespread looting and persistent power outages—exacerbated by drone attacks on electrical grids and a lack of funding for repairs—continue to hinder daily life. Security remains a primary concern for the administration, which has announced that security patrols will persist and residents traveling at night will be required to carry identification to prevent RSF infiltration.

Beyond the capital, the conflict shows signs of regional escalation. Tensions have spiked following an alleged Sudanese army airstrike on a military convoy within Chadian territory, an act that has drawn sharp criticism from the United States. While Sudan denies the accusation, the incident has prompted international calls for a humanitarian truce and a broader arms embargo. The Sudanese government remains resistant to these international pressures, arguing that such restrictions would unfairly impede its ability to defend its sovereignty against the ongoing insurgency.

Key Takeaways

• Sudan has lifted a two-year state of emergency and curfew in Khartoum to facilitate economic and social recovery.
• Infrastructure damage, including severe power outages and looted facilities, continues to impede the return of residents and businesses.
• The conflict is increasingly threatening regional stability, with recent border tensions involving Chad drawing international condemnation and calls for a nationwide arms embargo.

Editor’s Analysis & Impact

The lifting of the state of emergency in Khartoum is a symbolic milestone, yet it masks the deep-seated instability that continues to plague Sudan. From a market perspective, the reopening of the airport and the push for business restoration are positive signals for potential reconstruction efforts; however, the lack of reliable electricity and the threat of ongoing security sweeps create a high-risk environment for foreign investment. The broader implications are concerning, as the conflict’s spillover into Chad suggests that the war is no longer contained within Sudanese borders. The diplomatic friction between the Sudanese government and the United States regarding a potential UN-backed arms embargo indicates that a political resolution remains distant. Future stability will likely depend on whether the government can secure the capital’s infrastructure while simultaneously de-escalating tensions with neighboring states.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it safe for businesses to return to Khartoum now that the curfew is lifted?
A: While the government is encouraging businesses to return, the city still faces significant challenges, including widespread infrastructure damage, frequent power outages, and ongoing security patrols, which may pose operational risks.

Q: Why is the United States concerned about the conflict in Sudan?
A: The U.S. is concerned that the war is expanding beyond Sudan's borders, specifically citing recent airstrikes in Chad and the potential for the conflict to destabilize the wider region, leading to calls for a humanitarian truce and an arms embargo.