KHARTOUM, Sudan – Large sections of Sudan's capital remain in ruins one year after the Sudanese Armed Forces regained control of the city from rival paramilitary forces, highlighting the extensive damage inflicted during the country's civil war now in its fourth year.

The presidential palace, once a symbol of state power, stands gutted with blackened walls from fire damage, blown-out windows and floors, and crumbling Islamic-style architectural features. Much of central Khartoum resembles a ghost town, with widespread destruction visible throughout the city.

Posters commemorating fallen soldiers have appeared across areas under military control, serving as reminders of the human cost of the conflict. The civil war began in April 2021 when tensions between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group erupted into open warfare.

The battle for Khartoum has been central to the broader conflict, with control of the capital changing hands multiple times. The military's recapture of the city represents a significant development in a war that has displaced millions of Sudanese civilians and created one of the world's largest humanitarian crises.

Despite regaining territorial control, the extent of infrastructure damage in Khartoum underscores the challenges facing any future reconstruction efforts. The ongoing conflict has severely impacted basic services and left much of the city's population either displaced or living in difficult conditions.