Economist correspondent undertakes rare dispatch from Sudan’s capital
The publication describes the city as ‘ruined’ in a report published on 11 August 2026
Tom Gardner, The Economist’s Africa correspondent, has completed a rare trip to Khartoum, Sudan, to assess the current state of the nation’s capital. The findings were published on 11 August 2026 as part of the publication’s Analysing Africa newsletter.
The report characterises Khartoum as a ‘ruined capital’, reflecting the severe conditions present in the city at the time of the visit. The dispatch serves as a direct account from the correspondent regarding the infrastructure and environment of the Sudanese capital.
The visit is noted for its rarity, underscoring the challenges associated with accessing the region. The Economist has positioned this report as a key update on the situation in Sudan, providing readers with on-the-ground perspective from a location that remains difficult to reach.
The article was distributed via the publication’s regular newsletter format, ensuring that subscribers receive immediate updates on developments across the African continent. The piece focuses specifically on the conditions in Khartoum, avoiding broader geopolitical tangents.
No further details regarding the specific duration of the stay or the exact locations visited within the capital were included in the source material. The primary focus remains on the correspondent’s assessment of the city’s ruined state.
