UN Reopens Khartoum Headquarters After Nearly Three-Year Closure
The United Nations has officially reopened its headquarters in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum, marking a significant milestone after nearly three years of closure. This move represents a preliminary step toward resuming full operations from Khartoum, following their relocation to Port Sudan in mid-April 2023 due to the outbreak of war.
Ceremony Attended by High-Level Officials
The reopening ceremony, held on Thursday, April 2, was attended by prominent government officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mohieddin Salem, and the Khartoum Governor, Ahmed Osman Hamza. Officials from the United Nations and its various agencies were also present, underscoring the importance of this event.
UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian and Development Coordinator in Sudan, Denise Brown, highlighted the significance of the reopening. She stated that this move allows UN agencies to access areas that were previously inaccessible, enhancing their ability to provide support. Speaking at a press conference at the UN mission in central Khartoum, Brown emphasized that the organization will continue its efforts to support the state and individuals in ending the war and reconstructing Sudan.
Government Praise and Peace Initiatives
Foreign Minister Mohieddin Salem praised the UN's decision to resume activities from Khartoum, describing it as a historic day for the country. "With this celebration, we send a message to our partners in the United Nations that we are working side by side with them for the stability of Sudan," Salem said. He emphasized that regions like Darfur and Kordofan would recover from what he termed the "kidnapping" by the "terrorist Rapid Support Forces militia."
Salem reiterated the government's commitment to peace, noting that as members of the United Nations, they are collaborating with UN agencies to implement the government's "Hope for Peace" initiative aimed at achieving sustainable peace. He asserted that the government would not allow any party to dictate terms and remains dedicated to the initiative proposed by the Prime Minister before the UN. "Through the UN, we convey that there is no place for the militia among us, and we reject external dictates," Salem added.
Call for International Support
The Foreign Minister called on the African Union to review Sudan's suspension from membership and urged the regional bloc IGAD to take more concrete steps to support stability in the country. He also praised the efforts of UN agencies, specifically highlighting the work of the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan. Salem reiterated the government's rejection of truces that would restore the "rebel militia," asserting that the group will have no place in Sudan's future.
UNDP Focus on Humanitarian Response
For his part, the Associate Administrator of the UNDP, Xu Haoliang, stated that the return of UN agencies to Khartoum represents crucial support for Sudan in the current phase. Xu explained that the UNDP is focusing on humanitarian response while strengthening the capacities of national institutions and local communities, contributing to recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis
Sudan is facing one of the largest humanitarian crises in the region. The ongoing war has displaced millions of people internally and externally, accompanied by a sharp decline in health and education services and surging food insecurity. Earlier, the UN warned of growing humanitarian needs in Sudan as the war approached its third year.
According to the Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan for 2026, recently announced by the UN, approximately 33.7 million people in Sudan will require humanitarian assistance this year—an increase of 3.3 million compared to 2025. This underscores the urgent need for continued international support and effective coordination to address the escalating crisis.
