Sudan lifts two-year curfew and state of emergency

The Sudanese government has lifted a two-year-old curfew and state of emergency in the capital, Khartoum, the government's Security Coordination Committee said on August 27.

According to Sudanese media, the committee lifted the state of emergency imposed in 2024 for the first time. Now, Khartoum residents can move and work freely at any time of the day.

However, after a meeting chaired by Khartoum Governor Ahmed Osubon Hamza, the committee clarified some restrictions. According to it, security checkpoints and army patrols will continue to operate. The committee also called on citizens traveling at night to carry their identity documents with them.

In addition, the committee banned foreign nationals from entering Khartoum state. Only foreigners with a valid entry visa or permit are allowed to enter by public or private transport (including trains and buses). The committee warned drivers and transport companies that those who violate these rules will be punished.

The curfew was first imposed in May 2024. At that time, security had deteriorated due to conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary "Rapid Assistance Force" (RAF).

The curfew restricted the movement of people and vehicles from 23:00 to 05:00. All commercial travel and pedestrian movement were also prohibited from 22:00 to 05:00.

Conflict between the army and the RAF has been ongoing in Sudan since April 2023. The UN and international organizations estimate that tens of thousands of people have been killed and nearly 13 million have been displaced by the ongoing war.

Earlier, at least 35 people were reported killed in a drone attack on a courthouse in Sudan. The strike on the facility in the village of Al-Zawiya Gara was carried out by the country's army.