August M
Across Sudan’s west and centre, civilians face hunger, displacement and ongoing violence, even as political leaders signal a return to the capital. Aid agencies warn conditions are worsening in regions far from Khartoum, where fighting continues with little protection for communities.
Against this backdrop, the army says it is preparing a renewed military push, though many residents remain unconvinced it will change daily realities.
Return to Khartoum
According to Al Jazeera, Sudan’s government has announced its return to Khartoum after nearly three years operating from Port Sudan.
Prime Minister Kamil Idris said the move marked the return of “the government of hope” to the national capital.
The government fled Khartoum in the early days of the war after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) overran much of the city. The army recaptured the capital last year and has since pursued a gradual re-establishment of state institutions there.
The announcement stands in sharp contrast to conditions in Darfur and Kordofan, where large areas remain contested and insecurity persists.
Humanitarian toll
The conflict, which began in April 2023, has displaced about 11 million people inside Sudan and across its borders. Aid groups say more than 33 million now face hunger, making it the world’s largest displacement and food crisis.
The United Nations has accused both sides of war crimes. The RSF has been linked to atrocities in Darfur that the UN said may amount to genocide.
In North Darfur, the UN recently described el-Fasher as a “crime scene” after gaining limited access to the city, following reports of mass killings, detentions and the flight of more than 100,000 residents after the RSF takeover in October.
Life on the ground
Reporting from Khartoum, Al Jazeera’s Hiba Morgan said civilians in Kordofan remain sceptical of official claims of progress.
“They want to be able to return to their homes with the RSF withdrawing or retreating from the areas that they have taken over. So far, that is not happening,” she said.
Violence has continued, including a reported drone attack in South Kordofan that killed five people, underscoring how fragile security remains.
Military response
In response to the RSF’s presence in the west and centre, the Sudanese army says it is preparing a renewed operation to retake Kordofan and Darfur. The military said it has reassessed RSF capabilities and reorganised forces for a potential offensive.
It described the planning as more extensive than that behind last year’s recapture of Khartoum state. Morgan said recent troop movements, air strikes and drone attacks appear to be early steps towards a broader campaign.
Sources: Al Jazeera
