Sudan Lifts Two-Year Curfew in Khartoum as Army Controls Capital in Most Dangerous Countries

Sudanese authorities have lifted a two-year curfew and state of emergency in Khartoum as the army seeks to re-establish the capital after recapturing it from the Rapid Support Forces, though international agencies warn that drone threats, unexploded ordnance and limited services continue to endanger returnees in one of the most dangerous countries. The curfew, introduced in May 2024, previously restricted movement between 11pm and 5am. [2] It and the state of emergency were lifted following a meeting chaired by Khartoum Governor Ahmed Othman Hamza. [2] Security checkpoints, army patrols and requirements to carry identification for late-night travel remain in place, while foreign nationals are barred from entering Khartoum State without valid visas or permits. [3]

Lifting of Curfew and State of Emergency

Sudanese authorities have lifted a two-year curfew and state of emergency in Khartoum, but drone threats and unexploded ordnance remain risks for returnees. [2] The measure was announced on Thursday by the government’s Security Affairs Coordination Committee, which said people would be able to travel and work across the city without time restrictions. [2] Previously, movement by people and vehicles had been restricted between 11pm and 5am. [2] Following a meeting chaired by Khartoum Governor Ahmed Othman Hamza, the committee said security checkpoints and army patrols would remain in place. [2] It advised residents travelling late at night to carry identification. [3] The committee also barred foreign nationals from entering Khartoum State without valid entry visas or permits. [2] Authorities introduced the curfew in May 2024, citing deteriorating security conditions in Khartoum amid fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. [2]

Background of the Conflict in Khartoum

Following the outbreak of the war in April 2023, the RSF seized the presidential palace, Khartoum International Airport and much of the capital and its wider tri-city metropolitan area. [2] The SAF retained a foothold in Omdurman, west of the Nile. [2] In late September 2024, the army launched a major offensive across Khartoum State. [2] It eventually recaptured Khartoum city at the end of March 2025, pushing out remaining RSF positions from much of the state. [2] Sudan’s war has raged since April 2023, killing tens of thousands and forcing around 13 million people from their homes, according to UN and international estimates. [3]

Sudanese authorities lift the two-year curfew in Khartoum after the army recaptures the capital. — Source: thenewarab

Government Return and Security Posture

Since the recapture, the government has returned to Khartoum from its temporary administrative base in Port Sudan, seeking to re-establish the capital as the centre of state administration. [2] The decision was announced by the Security Affairs Coordination Committee following a meeting chaired by Khartoum Governor Ahmed Othman Hamza. [3] But despite the easing of restrictions, security remains tight. [3] Army patrols and checkpoints will continue operating across the capital, and residents travelling late at night have been urged to carry identification documents. [3] Authorities have also imposed restrictions on foreign nationals entering Khartoum State. [3] Entry will be prohibited by public or private transport including trains and buses unless travellers have valid visas or permits. [3]

Persistent Risks for Returnees

International agencies and analysts have cautioned against treating the army’s recapture of the city, or the lifting of the curfew, as proof that Khartoum is safe or ready for a large-scale return of displaced residents. [2] In a report released on Friday, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, described major challenges facing people returning to Khartoum State, as the effects of the war continue to endanger civilian life. [2] The agency highlighted security concerns in some areas of the state, particularly at night, when reports of shootings, theft and drone activity are most frequent. [2] Drone attacks remain a threat in parts of Khartoum State. [2] On 13 August, RSF drones targeted the capital, prompting anti-aircraft fire from Omdurman as residents reported explosions. [2] UNHCR also warned of the threat from unexploded ordnance, saying that safety risks from unexploded ordnance remain present in some areas. [2]

Sudanese authorities lift two-year curfew and state of emergency in Khartoum after army regains control of the capital. — Source: africanews

Broader Humanitarian Impact in Most Dangerous Countries

Sudan’s war has raged since April 2023, killing tens of thousands and forcing around 13 million people from their homes, according to UN and international estimates. [3] The curfew was introduced in May 2024 as fighting intensified between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, or RSF. [3] Following the outbreak of the war in April 2023, the RSF seized the presidential palace, Khartoum International Airport and much of the capital and its wider tri-city metropolitan area. [2] The SAF retained a foothold in Omdurman, west of the Nile. [2] In late September 2024, the army launched a major offensive across Khartoum State. [2] It eventually recaptured Khartoum city at the end of March 2025, pushing out remaining RSF positions from much of the state. [2]

Challenges Constraining Sustainable Reintegration

It said returnees were confronting interlinked challenges that constrain their ability to reintegrate sustainably, including unreliable electricity, limited access to basic services and a shortage of adequate housing. [2] UNHCR has highlighted ongoing risks including nighttime shootings, theft, drone activity and unexploded ordnance, plus challenges such as unreliable electricity, limited basic services and housing shortages that hinder sustainable reintegration. [2] Sudanese refugees, who fled to Egypt due to clashes between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces, arrive back by bus following the military securing control and restoring safety in Khartoum. [2]

What to watch next: International agencies have cautioned against treating the army’s recapture of the city, or the lifting of the curfew, as proof that Khartoum is safe or ready for a large-scale return of displaced residents, with UNHCR describing major challenges facing people returning to Khartoum State.