Khartoum authorities close cafes and football viewing clubs

May 10, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – Local authorities in Khartoum on Sunday ordered the closure of cafes and football viewing clubs and banned tea sellers from operating on main roads as part of a series of new regulatory measures.

The decisions have sparked widespread debate on social media, as public cafes and viewing clubs serve as vital social hubs for youth, particularly those following international football matches.

The Khartoum State electronic platform said in a statement that the Khartoum locality “decided to close all cafes, shisha lounges, and viewing clubs, while continuing campaigns to ban tea sellers from main roads.”

The locality also directed the swift restoration of electricity to major markets, including Al-Hurriya Street, Al-Sajana, the Central, Local, and Popular markets, as well as the Industrial Area and the Land Port in the first phase. Power restoration to neighbourhood markets is set to follow.

During an expanded meeting attended by Executive Director Abdel Moneim Al-Bashir and department heads, the locality confirmed that technical procedures for electricity connection had been finalized in coordination with the electricity distribution company.

The meeting further instructed the commercial advertising department to take measures against the proliferation of random advertising signs on main roads.

Since the army regained control of Khartoum in May 2025, the state government has been working to restore essential services amid an increasing return of displaced persons and refugees to their homes.

The statement added that a program was approved to regulate the disposal of rubble and to correct the status of government-owned properties leased to various entities, ensuring they reflect current market rates upon renewal.

Khartoum locality also called for the development of new investment projects to align with the post-war recovery phase, identifying prime locations to attract investors as part of the state’s reconstruction plan.