Sudan conflict: Two-year curfew lifted in Khartoum

Sudan’s military-led government has lifted a curfew and state of emergency in Khartoum that had been in place for more than two years, state media reported. The move comes 18 months after the army regained control of the capital from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), as the country’s civil war enters its fourth year. While the capital’s restrictions are eased, fighting continues in Sudan’s south and west, and evidence suggests the conflict is spilling across borders. The International Organization for Migration says more than two million of around five million displaced from Khartoum have returned since fighting ended in March 2025. Authorities say the change aims to restore normal life, reopening Khartoum’s main airport for some flights and urging businesses and embassies to return. However, residents face looting damage and power blackouts blamed on alleged RSF drone attacks on electricity infrastructure and limited government funds for repairs. The government remains wary of RSF infiltration, keeping security patrols operating and requiring identification documents for people traveling at night. Reports from BBC Monitoring also describe continued army security sweeps targeting alleged RSF sleeper cells, undocumented foreigners and criminals. Regionally, Chad accused Sudan of an Aug. 20 air strike on a military convoy inside Chadian territory in Ennedi-Est province, prompting maximum border alerts; Sudan rejected the allegation, citing a lack of independent investigation. Sudan also accused Chad of allowing RSF military supplies delivered by the United Arab Emirates to transit through its airports and border crossings.