Life in Sudan’s capital is set to take another step towards normality after authorities lifted a curfew and state of emergency that had remained in place for more than two years.
The decision by the military-led government follows the army’s recapture of Khartoum from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which took place 18 months ago. The move comes as Sudan’s war enters its fourth year, with fighting still reported in the southern and western parts of the country.
The return of normal activity in the capital remains difficult, however, with many residents still trying to rebuild their lives after the conflict forced millions to flee.
The International Organization for Migration estimates that more than two million of the nearly five million people who left Khartoum after the war began in April 2023 have returned. The majority came back after fighting in the capital ended in March 2025.
Authorities say lifting the curfew is intended to help restore everyday life in Khartoum. The government has also reopened the city’s main airport for some flights and is seeking to attract businesses and embassies back to the capital.
For residents, the return has exposed the scale of destruction left behind by the fighting.
Buildings in several parts of the city have been damaged and looted, while unreliable electricity has made it harder for people and businesses to recover. Government authorities have linked the blackouts to alleged RSF drone strikes on electricity facilities and the lack of money to repair damaged infrastructure.
Altayeb Saadeldin, a spokesperson for the Khartoum state government, said the electricity network had been among the sectors badly affected by the conflict.
"The targeting of the electricity sector in particular was very significant," Saadeldin told the Reuters news agency.
He said the problems had been caused by several factors, including the theft of copper wires, fuel and other components, as well as drone attacks.
The RSF rejected the accusations, with a source from the group describing them as "incorrect and army propaganda".
The lifting of the emergency measures does not mean security concerns have disappeared.
Authorities remain alert to the possibility of RSF members operating inside the capital. The Sudan News Agency reported that security patrols would remain active throughout Khartoum state, while people moving around at night would be expected to carry identification documents.
BBC Monitoring reports have also indicated that the army continues to conduct security sweeps across greater Khartoum.
The operations are aimed at suspected RSF sleeper cells, undocumented foreigners and criminals believed to be involved in illegal activities.
Beyond Khartoum, the wider conflict is creating growing concern over Sudan’s relationship with neighbouring states.
Chad has accused the Sudanese army of launching an air strike that hit a military convoy in Ennedi-Est province on August 20. The location is about 100km (62 miles) inside Chadian territory.
Following the incident, Chad reportedly placed its forces along the border on maximum alert.
Sudan has rejected the accusation and questioned why its military was blamed without an independent investigation.
In a statement, Sudan’s foreign ministry said it "affirms that the Sudanese army fulfils its constitutional duty to defend Sudan’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and to confront the threats facing the country, while remaining committed to respecting the sovereignty of neighbouring states and refraining from targeting their territories".
The Sudanese authorities have in turn accused Chad of allowing supplies for the RSF to enter Sudan through its airports and border crossings after being delivered by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Both Chad and the UAE have rejected the allegations. Similar findings have, however, been reported by UN experts and international media investigations.
The dispute has increased international concern about the possibility of the Sudan conflict spreading across its borders.
US Senior Adviser for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos expressed "deep concern" over the risk that the war could damage peace and stability in the region following the reported attack in Chad.
Boulos has been pressing the rival sides to agree to a humanitarian truce. He has also become increasingly frustrated with Sudan’s military, which has refused to join a peace process unless the RSF disarms and pulls out of areas it controls.
"The United States condemns the SAF's recent air strikes inside Chad," Boulos wrote in a post on X. "There is no military solution to this conflict - and absolutely no justification for expanding the violence beyond Sudan's borders.
"External financial and military support to the warring parties must stop," he added.
The United States has also sought action at the UN Security Council.
This month, Boulos presented a draft resolution seeking to widen a weapons embargo imposed on Darfur in 2005 so that it covers the whole of Sudan. The proposal would also prohibit attack drones, which have become increasingly common weapons for both sides.
Sudan’s government and army have rejected the proposal.
Local media reports say officials believe the measure unfairly puts the recognised national army on the same footing as the RSF, a paramilitary force. They also argue that the restrictions would weaken the army’s ability to defend civilians against what they describe as an insurgency.
The lifting of the Khartoum curfew therefore marks an important change for a capital still recovering from war, even as security operations continue and the fighting elsewhere threatens to keep Sudan’s crisis alive.