Sudan’s Burhan dissolves Khartoum return committee after bridge contract row

February 11, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – Sudanese Sovereignty Council Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has dissolved the high committee tasked with restoring services to Khartoum to facilitate the return of residents, reliable sources told Sudan Tribune on Wednesday.

The decision transfers the committee’s full powers to the Prime Minister’s office, which will now oversee efforts to stabilize the capital and encourage the return of displaced citizens.

Burhan had established the High National Committee on July 16, 2025, to prepare Khartoum for the urgent return of federal institutions and residents. Under the leadership of Sovereignty Council member Ibrahim Jaber, the committee worked to restore education, health, water, and electricity services. It was also active in rehabilitating government facilities, including Khartoum International Airport, and removing military formations from residential neighbourhoods.

Sources said the dissolution follows a controversy over the maintenance contract for the Halfaya Bridge, which connects Omdurman and Khartoum North. The $11 million contract was reportedly awarded to two companies without a public bidding process or transparent competition.

The deal, signed on Sunday in the presence of Jaber and other officials, tasked Itqan Engineering Consultancy and IBC Construction with the civil and consultancy works. Critics described the 42 trillion Sudanese pound cost as excessive and raised concerns over the companies’ links to the previous regime.

IBC Construction is owned by Ibrahim Bella al-Makkawi, who was frequently commissioned for bridge and road projects during the rule of ousted President Omer al-Bashir. Al-Makkawi reportedly collaborated with firms belonging to former al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden during the latter’s time in Sudan under the Bashir administration.

The Prime Minister’s office is now expected to continue the stability and resettlement mandates previously held by Jaber’s committee.