Sudan war leaves Khartoum on brink of total service collapse

Khartoum is facing the near-total collapse of basic services and infrastructure as Sudan's war enters its 32nd month, with large parts of the capital reduced to rubble and millions displaced.

The tri-capital region of Khartoum, Omdurman and Bahri has suffered extensive destruction following months of fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Thousands of civilians have been killed, according to local estimates, and more than four million people have been displaced nationwide.

Public services have largely ceased to function. Of 13 water production stations supplying the capital, 12 have been destroyed or vandalised, leaving only one operational with limited capacity, officials told The New Arab.

Electricity infrastructure has reportedly lost 90 percent of its capacity due to shelling, theft and looting.

"Most water stations now require total rehabilitation," said Hisham al-Amir, director general of the Drinking Water and Sanitation Authority. Residents in several districts now rely on groundwater wells and barrel deliveries transported by animal-drawn carts.

The National Electricity Corporation confirmed widespread damage to substations, transformers and distribution networks. A senior source said restoration would be "one of the most difficult tasks facing authorities", requiring resources the state does not currently have.

Khartoum Governor Ahmed Osman Hamza said central districts, including government institutions, universities and major markets, were unlikely to regain water or electricity in the near term.

He said repairs would require international contractors and that residents may have to bear part of the cost.

Hospitals and schools have also shut down, with many converted into military positions. Only a small number of medical facilities have partially reopened, and staff shortages and rising medicine prices have left patients without care.

"Many kidney and cancer patients are dying because of the lack of medical services," said Khalifa Mubarak, a resident of Omdurman.

Public transport has collapsed following large-scale vehicle theft. Fewer than 100 of the capital's 750 routes remain in operation, according to the Transport and Communications Authority.

Fuel shortages and soaring fares have limited movement for returnees and displaced families.

The capital's infrastructure has been further damaged by the destruction of three major bridges and widespread looting.

Entire neighbourhoods have emptied amid shortages of water, electricity and medical care, while residents report streets filled with uncollected waste and public areas being used as burial sites.

The situation comes as talks to end the conflict between SAF and the RSF remain stalled.

The RSF seized large parts of Khartoum after the war began in April 2023, prompting SAF airstrikes and ground fighting across the capital. Both sides have been accused by humanitarian organisations of targeting civilian infrastructure.