Post-Removal: The Battle to Secure Khartoum Continues

Brigadier General (Ret.) Omar Mohammed Othman
Informal settlements have never been just an urban planning issue or an unorganized visual scene. They have always been ticking time bombs threatening security and stability. With the outbreak of war and the rebellion of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, these bombs exploded in Khartoum’s face. Some of these areas became crime hotspots, with undeniable evidence confirming that many looting and robbery operations targeting planned residential neighbourhoods originated from within them, exploiting the chaos of war and the absence of security control.
In times of crisis, long-ignored truths come to light, and informal settlements were one of these truths. They were no longer just poor housing for those struggling to survive but had turned into safe havens for outlaws and open grounds for chaos. Criminals used them to hide, militia elements launched their crimes from within them, and their narrow streets and irregular pathways became natural barriers obstructing any security enforcement efforts.
Therefore, the decision to remove these informal settlements was not merely an administrative luxury but an urgent security necessity. The authorities in Khartoum State have finally taken the right direction, launching removal campaigns to regain control and stop the security bleeding caused by these areas. However, despite its importance, this step alone is not enough. The removal process must be carried out legally, taking into account humanitarian aspects, to prevent the situation from being exploited to incite further chaos. More importantly, a clear post-removal plan must be in place, as experience has shown that informal settlements quickly re-emerge if vacated spaces are left unattended.
The real battle does not end with the removal of illegal structures—it begins afterwards. These sites must be secured, not only to prevent their reoccupation but also to ensure they do not turn into abandoned spaces that criminal groups can easily exploit. Continuous security presence and strict monitoring are essential to prevent re-encroachment. At the same time, sustainable solutions must be considered—these lands should not remain vacant but must be repurposed for public benefit, whether as parks, commercial projects, or service facilities, to prevent them from becoming breeding grounds for new informal settlements.
The war has exposed numerous flaws in Khartoum State, and informal settlements were among the most dangerous issues. Restoring security in the state cannot be achieved without dismantling these environments that have fueled chaos and prolonged the crisis. What is needed today is not just bulldozers to demolish informal structures but a strategic vision to ensure they do not reappear—because security is not achieved through temporary measures but through long-term and proactive planning.

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