In Port Sudan, residents are struggling to afford Ramadan staples due to inflation and war-related disruptions. Basic goods have skyrocketed in price, and many families cannot obtain them. The humanitarian situation is dire in war-torn regions, with famine onset and challenges in reaching affected communities. Traditional Ramadan traditions have diminished significantly.
Residents in Port Sudan prepare for Ramadan but struggle to afford essential holiday items due to rampant inflation and price surges. The ongoing conflict in Sudan has severely impacted the supply chain, leading to dire conditions elsewhere in the country where famine and displacement overshadow the usual communal spirit of the Ramadan festivities.
In Port Sudan’s markets, prices for basic goods have skyrocketed; sugar costs 2,400 Sudanese pounds (around $1) per kilogram, while veal and mutton are priced at 24,000 and 28,000 pounds respectively. Many families are unable to purchase these items, with resident Mahmoud Abd El Kader voicing concerns over the “extremely expensive” costs and Hassan Osman noting that “people cannot afford them”.
The average monthly wage in Sudan is approximately $60, yet many public workers have not been paid during the ongoing war. Simultaneously, the value of the local currency has plummeted, with inflation reaching 145% as of January, further exacerbating the purchasing power crisis.
In the war-affected regions, hunger is a pressing concern, with reports indicating that famine is taking hold in areas such as Darfur and Kordofan, where conflict has isolated communities. The UN predicts that famine conditions could spread to additional areas by May, with residents in some regions resorting to eating peanut shells and tree leaves.
Humanitarian organizations face significant challenges reaching affected populations due to escalating violence. The UN’s World Food Programme has temporarily halted operations in certain famine-stricken camps. Aid worker Omar Manago highlighted the critical shortage of necessities, with many families going months without proper meals.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk warned that immediate aid is crucial to avert mass deaths from famine and rising chaos. He emphasized that the situation in Sudan is deteriorating, with an increased risk of atrocities and famine-related deaths looming ahead.
In conflict zones like North Darfur, market operations have collapsed under pressure, resulting in rampant looting and loss of essential supplies. In Khartoum, volunteers strive to distribute limited aid, though demand vastly exceeds available resources, eroding cherished Ramadan customs.
Traditionally, Sudanese families would participate in communal iftar meals, offering food to those in need; unfortunately, these practices have diminished due to the war. Mohamed Moussa, a doctor, lamented the loss of family gatherings and festive decorations that once characterized the Ramadan experience.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has dramatically altered the landscape of Ramadan celebrations, particularly in Port Sudan and conflict-affected areas. With soaring prices and a lack of available goods, many residents face acute hardships. The humanitarian crisis is deepening, with urgent calls for aid to prevent widespread famine and restore some semblance of community during this holy month.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
