Sudan’s government ends Port Sudan exile, moves back to Khartoum

Sudan’s Prime Minister Kamil Idris announced that the government has officially returned to Khartoum after nearly three years of operating from Port Sudan. Speaking at a press briefing, Idris said the relocation is permanent, although several ministries and departments are still in the process of transitioning.

Idris framed the move as part of a broader path toward what he described as “inevitable peace,” stressing the need for a comprehensive national agreement that reflects the “will of all Sudanese.” He also expressed confidence that Sudan would be readmitted to the African Union this year, citing ongoing negotiations to lift the country’s suspension under terms he said were “favorable to national interests.”

The prime minister thanked officials in Red Sea State for hosting the government during its period of displacement and praised state governors for facilitating the return of citizens to the capital. He described Khartoum as a symbol of “dignity and victory.”

The government’s original decision to move its administrative operations from Khartoum to Port Sudan was driven by security, operational, and strategic concerns following the outbreak of intense armed conflict in April 2023. The move was not a formal change of capital, but an emergency measure.

Khartoum quickly became the epicenter of fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Government buildings, military headquarters, ministries, and critical civilian infrastructure were either directly targeted or caught in crossfire. Persistent shelling, airstrikes, and street battles made it impossible for state institutions to function safely or effectively.

As violence escalated, many ministries and public offices were destroyed, occupied, or abandoned. Civil servants fled the city, communications networks were disrupted, and essential services — including electricity, water, and healthcare — largely collapsed.

Port Sudan holds significant strategic value as the country’s main Red Sea port and a critical gateway for international trade, humanitarian aid, and diplomatic engagement. Unlike Khartoum, the city remained largely outside the main conflict zones. Its coastal location and stronger military control allowed the government to secure supply routes, host foreign delegations, and maintain links with international partners.

Operating from Port Sudan enabled the government to project institutional continuity and legitimacy despite the ongoing war. Maintaining a functioning seat of government was essential for diplomatic recognition, coordination with international organizations, and oversight of humanitarian assistance. As a result, Port Sudan became the primary hub for embassies, United Nations agencies, and relief organizations still working with Sudanese authorities.

With millions displaced by the conflict, the city also emerged as a central coordination point for humanitarian operations. Its airport and seaport facilitated the flow of aid, the evacuation of civilians, and the movement of supplies, helping streamline cooperation between state institutions and humanitarian actors.

The government’s return to Khartoum comes as the military-led administration seeks to project a sense of normalcy in the capital. Late last year, authorities reopened Khartoum International Airport, though the move has been followed by continued insecurity, including drone strikes attributed to the RSF since the reopening.

The decision also comes amid continued fighting elsewhere in the country. The RSF has intensified its operations in Kordofan while consolidating territorial control across much of Darfur.