Which African nation's prime minister, Kamil Idris, announced the government's return to the capital Khartoum in January 2026?

In January 2026, Sudan's Prime Minister, Kamil Idris, announced the government's official return to the capital city of Khartoum. This significant development marked a pivotal moment after nearly three years of the government operating from Port Sudan, a relocation necessitated by the devastating civil war that erupted in April 2023. The conflict, primarily between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), had rendered Khartoum an active battlefield, causing widespread destruction and displacing millions of people.

Kamil Idris was appointed as Sudan's Prime Minister in May 2025, a crucial step towards establishing a civilian-led transitional government amidst the ongoing crisis. His appointment and the subsequent return to Khartoum signal efforts to restore administrative functions and public services to the capital, which had been recaptured by the army in May 2025. The move is part of broader plans for reconstruction, development, and a return to peace, with Prime Minister Idris declaring 2026 as "the year of peace in Sudan."

The return to Khartoum represents a symbolic and practical step towards national recovery, despite the continued security and humanitarian challenges in various parts of the country. The government has pledged to prioritize essential services like health, education, electricity, and water, which were severely impacted by the conflict. This effort aims to rebuild a city scarred by war and provide a stable base for future governance, highlighting the resilience of the Sudanese people and the ongoing international efforts to support peace and stability in the nation.