Ramadan in Sudan is overshadowed by soaring prices due to ongoing conflict, with families struggling to afford basic staples. In areas severely affected by war, famine has spread, exacerbated by disrupted supply routes and inflation. The humanitarian crisis is deepening, complicating aid efforts, leaving many longing for lost Ramadan traditions.
In Port Sudan, as residents prepare for Ramadan, they are confronted with soaring prices for essential goods due to the ongoing conflict in other regions. The nearly two-year war has severely impacted food availability and affordability, overshadowing the typical spirit of generosity associated with the holy month. Many families struggle to purchase staples, leaving them in a precarious situation as Ramadan begins.
Prices in Port Sudan reflect the costs faced by families. For instance, sugar, a common item for breaking the daily fast, now costs approximately 2,400 Sudanese pounds ($1) per kilogram, while veal and mutton prices reach 24,000 and 28,000 pounds, respectively. Mahmoud Abd El Kader expressed concerns about the excessively high prices, illustrating the struggles faced by many amid the growing inflation and scarcity of resources.
The situation is even more urgent in conflict-affected areas where famine, dislocation, and severe shortages prevail. The ongoing clash between rival military factions has left tens of thousands deceased and displaced over 12 million individuals. Some regions face not only soaring prices but also the unavailability of food entirely, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
In western Darfur and southern Kordofan, the war has cut off essential food supply routes, plunging local populations into hunger. An official assessment from the UN foretells of famine spreading to additional regions, with reports of displaced residents resorting to extreme survival measures, such as consuming peanut shells and tree leaves. Aid organizations are hindered in their efforts to reach these affected areas, complicating efforts to combat starvation.
The United Nations’ World Food Programme has had to halt operations near famine-stricken camps due to ongoing violence. Humanitarian workers in the region report severe shortages of food and drinking water, with many families going months without adequate nutrition. UN human rights chief Volker Turk has warned that without a significant increase in humanitarian aid, the populace could face catastrophic outcomes.
In the capital, Khartoum, conditions have worsened as fighting escalates between military factions, leading to widespread looting and a depletion of food supplies. Efforts by volunteers to distribute aid are significant but insufficient, highlighting the overwhelming needs faced by many families. Traditionally shared Ramadan meals have disappeared, replaced by dire circumstances that leave many longing for the connections that such gatherings once offered.
The dire conditions in Sudan as Ramadan begins starkly reveal the struggles families face amid soaring prices and scarcity of resources due to ongoing conflict. A humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by inflation, displacement, and limited aid access, raising urgent concerns regarding food security and the well-being of millions. This year’s Ramadan is marked by suffering and longing for traditions that have been overshadowed by hardship and survival imperatives.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
