UN Re-establishes Khartoum Office After Nearly Three Years Absence

The United Nations marked a significant milestone on Thursday by reopening its main office in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, for the first time in almost three years.

This development represents a preliminary phase in the process of restarting operations from Khartoum, after they were relocated to Port Sudan following the commencement of hostilities in mid-April 2023.

The reopening ceremony saw the presence of prominent government figures, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mohieddin Salem, and the Governor of Khartoum, Ahmed Osman Hamza, alongside officials from the international organization and its affiliated agencies.

Denise Brown, the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian and Development Coordinator in Sudan, emphasized the importance of this step, stating it will enable UN agencies to access previously unreachable areas.

Speaking at a press briefing at the UN mission in central Khartoum, Brown added that the organization remains committed to supporting the nation and its people in efforts to end the conflict and rebuild Sudan.

The UN had relocated its Khartoum operations to Port Sudan shortly after the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces erupted in April 2023.

The Foreign Minister lauded the UN's decision to resume activities from Khartoum, characterizing the day as historic for the nation.

"With this occasion, we send a message to our partners in the United Nations that we are working collaboratively with them towards the stability of Sudan," stated Salem.

Salem underscored that regions like Darfur and Kordofan would eventually recover from what he described as the "kidnapping" by the "terrorist Rapid Support Forces militia."

"We are proponents of peace, and as members of the United Nations, we are joining forces with UN agencies and organizations to implement the government's "Hope for Peace" initiative, aiming for lasting peace," he continued.

The minister affirmed that the government would not permit any entity to dictate terms and remains dedicated to the initiative presented by the Prime Minister to the UN.

He further noted that the government advocates for peace and welcomes all international proposals. "Through the UN, we communicate that there is no place for the militia among us, and we reject external impositions," Salem declared.

The Foreign Minister also urged the African Union to reconsider Sudan's suspension from membership and called upon the regional bloc IGAD to implement more tangible measures to foster stability within the country.

He acknowledged the valuable contributions of UN agencies, specifically commending the work of the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan.

Salem reiterated the government's firm stance against any ceasefires that would allow the "rebel militia" to regroup, asserting that this group will have no role in the nation's future.

Xu Haoliang, the Associate Administrator of the UNDP, commented that the return of UN agencies to Khartoum signifies crucial support for Sudan during its current challenging phase.

Xu explained that the UNDP is concentrating on providing humanitarian assistance while simultaneously enhancing the capabilities of national institutions and local communities, thereby contributing to recovery and reconstruction initiatives.

Sudan is currently experiencing one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the region. The protracted conflict has led to mass displacement, both internally and across borders, coupled with a significant deterioration in health and education services and a rise in food insecurity.

Earlier, the UN had issued warnings about escalating humanitarian needs in Sudan as the conflict approached its third year.

According to the Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan for 2026, recently released by the UN, an estimated 33.7 million people in Sudan will require humanitarian assistance this year, an increase of 3.3 million compared to the figures for 2025.