AU Return to Post-War Khartoum Gains Momentum as Delegation Assesses Reopening of Office After Three Years of Conflict

By Reflecto News Staff
April 5, 2026

The African Union (AU) has taken a significant step toward re-establishing its presence in Sudan’s capital, signaling growing international confidence in the country’s fragile post-conflict recovery.

A high-level AU delegation, led by Ambassador Mohamed Belaiche, visited the Sudanese Foreign Ministry in Khartoum to evaluate the possibility of reopening the AU’s office in the capital after nearly three years of devastating civil war. The visit comes as several United Nations agencies are also preparing to return to Khartoum, reflecting cautious optimism about improving security and restored basic services in the city.

Key Developments from the Visit

During the meeting with Sudanese officials, the AU delegation discussed logistical requirements, security assurances, and the timeline for resuming full operations of the AU office in Khartoum. Sudanese authorities highlighted recent gains in stability, including the restoration of electricity, water supply, and basic healthcare services in parts of the capital.

Ambassador Belaiche emphasized the African Union’s commitment to supporting Sudan’s peace process and long-term reconstruction efforts. The delegation’s assessment is expected to play a crucial role in determining when the AU can safely and effectively re-establish its diplomatic footprint in the country.

Background: Sudan’s Prolonged Conflict

Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal civil war since April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti). The conflict has killed tens of thousands, displaced millions, and caused one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with widespread reports of atrocities, famine risks, and destruction of infrastructure.

Khartoum, once the vibrant political and economic heart of Sudan, was heavily damaged during the fighting. Much of the city’s diplomatic community, including the African Union and many UN agencies, evacuated in 2023 as violence intensified.

Signs of Improving Stability

Sudanese officials told the AU delegation that significant progress has been made in recent months, particularly in Khartoum and surrounding areas. Key improvements cited include:

• Gradual return of displaced residents to parts of the capital.
• Restoration of basic services such as electricity, water, and limited healthcare.
• Reduction in active fighting in central Khartoum.
• Increased humanitarian access and delivery of aid.

The return of UN agencies and now the potential reopening of the AU office are seen as important symbolic and practical steps toward normalizing governance and international engagement in Sudan.

Why This Matters

The African Union has played a central role in mediating efforts to end the Sudanese conflict. Re-establishing a physical presence in Khartoum would allow the AU to more effectively support peace talks, coordinate humanitarian efforts, and assist with transitional governance arrangements. It would also send a strong signal to other international organizations and donors that conditions in the capital are improving.

Challenges Remain

Despite the positive momentum, significant challenges persist. Large parts of Sudan remain unstable, with ongoing fighting in regions such as Darfur, Kordofan, and parts of Khartoum state. Humanitarian needs are enormous, with millions facing acute food insecurity and limited access to healthcare. Political negotiations between the warring parties have made only limited progress so far.

International Response

The United Nations has welcomed the AU’s move and is coordinating its own gradual return to Khartoum. Several Western countries and regional partners have expressed cautious support for the stabilization efforts while stressing the need for a sustainable ceasefire and inclusive political dialogue.

FAQs

Q1: What is the significance of the AU delegation’s visit to Khartoum?
The visit is a key step toward reopening the African Union’s office in Sudan’s capital after nearly three years of war, signaling growing confidence in the city’s stability.

Q2: When did the conflict in Sudan begin?
The current civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces erupted in April 2023.

Q3: Which other international organizations are returning to Khartoum?
Several United Nations agencies are also preparing to resume operations in the capital alongside the AU’s potential return.

Q4: What improvements have Sudanese authorities highlighted?
Officials point to restored electricity, water supply, basic healthcare services, and a reduction in active fighting in parts of Khartoum.

Q5: What challenges still face Sudan’s recovery?
Major challenges include ongoing fighting in other regions, massive humanitarian needs, displacement, and slow progress in political negotiations between rival factions.

Q6: Will the AU office reopening lead to faster peace in Sudan?
While it is a positive development, experts caution that a full return to stability will require sustained ceasefire agreements and inclusive political dialogue.

Reflecto News will continue to monitor developments in Sudan, including the AU’s final decision on reopening its Khartoum office, the return of international organizations, and progress toward lasting peace.

This is a developing story.