Khartoum State declares state of emergency to regulate foreign presence
May 1, 2024 (KHARTOUM) – The President of Sudan’s Sovereign Council and military leader, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, approved a recommendation from Khartoum State to regulate the presence of foreigners and declare a state of emergency.
Khartoum Governor Ahmed Osman Hamza revealed his intention to issue decrees to implement the emergency measures following Al-Burhan’s approval.
According to a statement released by Khartoum State media on Wednesday, “Al-Burhan agreed to the state’s recommendation to address the foreign presence that has become a threat to national security.
The authorities allege that some foreigners are participating in the fighting alongside the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The measures will be implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior and the Refugee Commission.”
Sudan previously hosted about two million foreigners, though many have returned to their home countries since the outbreak of war.
Control of Khartoum is divided: the army governs Karari locality and parts of Old Omdurman, while the Rapid Support Forces control Umbada, Khartoum, and Khartoum Bahri. The Khartoum State government, currently operating from Karari locality, struggles to maintain control.
On Wednesday, Governor Hamza briefed the state’s Supreme Committee for Emergency and Crisis Management. He emphasized the need for adherence to his decisions.
The meeting addressed reports on the availability of essential services, particularly emergency medicines and medications for chronic diseases. The Ministry of Health attributed the shortage to the closure of importing companies. They urged the companies to resume operations to ensure continued access to medicine.
The meeting also directed that the work of organizations and initiatives be subject to national security and sovereignty standards. It called on the Humanitarian Aid Commission to follow up on the implementation of the results of the visit by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Commission for Refugees.
Many residents in Khartoum rely on central kitchens, run by volunteers from emergency committees, for food. These kitchens depend on volunteering and donations from Sudanese people both within and outside Sudan.
The meeting discussed restoring Omdurman’s electricity supply and rehabilitating the Beit al-Mal drinking water treatment plant. It also acknowledged the arrival of 50 tons of water purification materials donated by UNICEF to the Manara water station.
Calls are intensifying for Omdurman residents displaced by the recent military advance to return home. However, the area still experiences occasional artillery shelling, with bodies in the streets and damaged homes hindering a safe return.