Sudan to move ministries from battle-scarred Khartoum centre

August 19, 2025 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s government on Tuesday ordered the relocation of its ministries from the conflict-ravaged centre of the capital to alternative sites, citing the high cost of repairing buildings damaged by fierce fighting.

A decree issued by Sovereign Council member Ibrahim Jabir mandated the immediate move of all government headquarters from a central zone stretching from Nile Street to the southern railway line.

The order did not mention the fate of the nearby Presidential Palace, which has been undergoing repairs after being a focal point of battles between the army and the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

The ministries will be moved to new locations in eastern Khartoum and the adjoining cities of Khartoum North and Omdurman.

Before the conflict erupted, the downtown area was the country’s administrative and commercial heart, housing most government buildings, the army command, major markets, and universities.

Jabir said the decision was based on a recommendation from a government committee that found repairing the destroyed ministries would be too costly compared to outfitting new headquarters.

“The state currently needs to allocate budgets to meet citizens’ needs and provide services like electricity, water, education, and health,” the decree stated.

The evacuated area includes the Council of Ministers and the ministries of finance, minerals, and information, as well as the central bank.

The relocation was recommended by a high-level committee formed in July by the Sovereign Council’s head and army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The committee is tasked with restoring security and basic services to Khartoum, enabling civilians to return.