UN reopens office in Khartoum after nearly 3-yr closure--Chi

KHARTOUM, April 2 (Xinhua) -- The UN on Thursday reopened its headquarters in Khartoum, alongside the resumption of operations of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), paving the way for a gradual restoration of its activities after nearly three years of suspension following the outbreak of conflict in the country.

Sudan's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mohi El-Din Salem, UN officials and representatives of the Khartoum State government attended the reopening ceremony.

In a statement, the Sudanese minister said the reopening reflects the resumption of cooperation between the Khartoum State government and the UN, hailing the step as a "positive indicator" of renewed international partnerships and support for the country's stabilization efforts.

For his part, Associate Administrator of the UNDP Xu Haoliang said the return of UN agencies to Khartoum represents important support for Sudan in the current phase.

Xu said the UNDP is focusing on humanitarian response while strengthening the capacities of national institutions and local communities, contributing to recovery and reconstruction efforts.

The UN had previously relocated a large portion of its operations outside Khartoum, while maintaining some humanitarian activities through field offices in other states, amid significant challenges related to access and the deterioration of infrastructure and basic services.

Sudan is facing one of the largest humanitarian crises in the region. The ongoing war has displaced millions internally and externally, alongside 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 approaches its third year. According to the Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan for 2026, recently announced by the UN, about 33.7 million people in Sudan will require humanitarian assistance this year -- an increase of 3.3 million compared to 2025.