Returning Sudanese face harsh reality as Khartoum struggles to recover

Thousands of Sudanese families are making their way back to Khartoum after the army regained control of the capital, but many are finding a city that is still far from ready for normal life. Although officials had promised a quick recovery after military forces pushed out the Rapid Support Forces, basic services remain limited and large parts of the city continue to show the scars of war. Power shortages, damaged buildings, unpaid government workers and poor public services have made the return difficult for many people who had hoped for a fresh start.

Since the army recaptured Khartoum around a year ago, more than two million of the five million residents who fled the city during the conflict have returned. Some families came back because they believed security had improved, while others had little choice after facing increasing pressure as refugees in neighboring Egypt. The Sudanese government has also instructed civil servants to return to their offices in Khartoum. Students who had been studying online or taking exams in other cities and countries have also been ordered to resume classroom learning.

Among those who returned is schoolteacher Nisreen Altayeb, who had been living in Egypt with her family after leaving Sudan because of the fighting. She said conditions for Sudanese refugees became increasingly difficult, making it impossible to remain there. Hearing reports that Khartoum was becoming safer encouraged her family to return. However, she has discovered that life remains challenging. Like many government employees, she has yet to receive her salary, adding financial hardship to an already difficult situation.

Recovery has been uneven across the capital region. Omdurman, located across the White Nile, has seen greater progress because it remained partly under army control throughout the conflict. In comparison, much of Khartoum and Bahri continues to struggle with frequent power cuts and limited public services. Efforts to rebuild have also been slowed by continued drone attacks on power stations and military sites, which officials blame on the Rapid Support Forces. According to Khartoum state authorities, the city is currently producing only about one third of the electricity it generated before the war. As a result, residents receive electricity for only a few hours each day.

Educational institutions are also dealing with serious damage. The University of Khartoum, located in one of the hardest hit areas, is still repairing classrooms, laboratories and student accommodation that were badly affected during the fighting. Despite these conditions, students have been instructed to return for face to face classes and examinations. Many believe it will take much more work before the university can fully operate again, although officials say rehabilitation efforts are continuing ahead of the next academic term.

Business owners are facing similar difficulties. Traders in Souq al Arabi, one of Khartoum’s largest commercial markets, have been encouraged to reopen their shops after the area was cleared following heavy fighting. Many shopkeepers say business remains weak because electricity and other essential services are unreliable. They are also unhappy that authorities have resumed collecting taxes even though many businesses are struggling to recover. Some owners believe tax payments should be delayed until conditions improve. Government officials acknowledge these concerns but argue that public revenue is necessary to maintain essential services, improve security and restore damaged infrastructure across the capital.

For many returning residents, Khartoum represents hope after years of conflict. However, rebuilding the city and restoring normal life will require time, resources and continued stability before families can truly feel at home again.