In a Media Briefing: Jaber Reviews His Work and Outlines Plans to Develop the Capital

Report – Sudan Events

The Chairman of the Higher Committee for Preparing the Environment for Citizens’ Return to Khartoum State, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Jaber, briefed a visiting media delegation on the security and service situation in Khartoum State, as well as the efforts undertaken by the Return Preparation Committee.

On Sunday, Khartoum received the largest media delegation since the outbreak of the war, led by Mohamed Al-Fateh, Deputy Chairman of the Journalists’ Union. The delegation met with a number of senior officials, foremost among them a member of the Sovereignty Council and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Preparing the Environment for Citizens’ Return to Khartoum State, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Jaber.

Jaber addressed the security situation, particularly with regard to military presence and refugees. He confirmed that the state is now free of military manifestations, noting that all armed forces have been relocated outside the capital. He stressed that any armed personnel found operating within the city would be immediately transferred, along with their commanders, to El-Obeid and other areas where operations to defeat the rebellion are ongoing.

He also revealed that all refugees have been relocated from the capital in coordination with the Refugee Commission, and disclosed the state’s plans for central Khartoum. Jaber stated that the committee is ready to provide full clarification regarding its plans to rehabilitate the capital, adding that the government is developing a new vision for urban development and economic revitalization, which would in turn enhance security.

According to observers, the security file in the capital has witnessed significant improvement, with armed presence in markets and streets disappearing, and the random gunfire that was heard until recently no longer evident.

Speaking with notable candor and confidence, Jaber invited journalists to conduct field visits to closely assess the scale of efforts exerted on both security and service fronts. He noted that the capital has largely regained its brighter image, as increasing numbers of citizens continue to return.

Jaber also highlighted the role of citizens in strengthening security in the capital, explaining that the hardships of war and displacement have deepened their appreciation of the homeland, prompting them to become active contributors to the city’s security.

The meeting also addressed public services, with Jaber presenting an accurate picture of what has been achieved. He affirmed that life in the state has returned to a satisfactory level, pending only the return of citizens to their homes. He pointed to the overcoming of numerous challenges related to the stability of the academic year and the restoration of services, stressing that reconstruction efforts remain ongoing.

The Governor of Khartoum, who attended the meeting, attributed the absence of electricity and water in some neighborhoods to the lack of residents, the closure of homes, and the presence of war remnants in certain areas, such as Al-Mogran, which require continued closure for security reasons.

The governor further emphasized the state’s continued efforts to prepare the environment for citizens’ return and to restore services across all localities, noting that authorities respond immediately to any security reports or concerns. He also praised the role of journalists during the “Battle of Dignity,” commending their success in countering rumors in Khartoum State, which positively contributed to the stability of the security situation.

The meeting is widely viewed as an official launch of the return of life to Khartoum, coming less than two weeks ahead of the federal government’s return to the capital. Observers expect a further increase in the number of citizens returning to Khartoum at the beginning of the new year.

Analysts believe that Ibrahim Jaber’s committee has succeeded, within a short period and with limited resources, in restoring momentum to life in Khartoum through substantial efforts led by Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Jaber, the Governor of Khartoum, and others. This has effectively prepared the capital to receive the federal government, including the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, in early January.