In Sudan, the war and economic collapse overshadow the observance of Ramadan, with skyrocketing prices making basic supplies unaffordable. While Port Sudan offers some safety, many areas face severe food shortages and the threat of famine. Tensions have forced the suspension of humanitarian aid, heightening fears of mass starvation as the conflict escalates and traditions perished.
In Port Sudan, preparations for Ramadan have become increasingly challenging as residents grapple with exorbitant prices for basic holiday supplies, a situation worsened by the ongoing war across the country. The conflict has considerably disrupted the typical generous spirit of Ramadan, overshadowed by famine and rampant inflation.
Residents in Port Sudan face steep prices, with essential commodities such as sugar reaching 2,400 Sudanese pounds ($1) per kilo, while veal and mutton prices soar to 24,000 and 28,000 pounds respectively. Mahmoud Abd El Kader lamented the unaffordable costs of Ramadan essentials, indicating widespread struggles among families.
Workers’ average monthly wages are approximately $60; however, many public employees have not received payment throughout the conflict. A declining local currency, which has fallen from about 600 to 2,400 pounds per US dollar, exacerbates the situation, alongside alarming inflation figures topping 145 percent. In some regions, the very availability of food has become a dire concern.
The ongoing fighting, particularly between rival military factions since April 2023, has left millions displaced and pushed entire regions into severe food shortages. Reliable supply routes have been severed, with areas like Darfur and Kordofan suffering starvation as aid remains unattainable.
In three displacement camps in North Darfur, famine has taken hold, with residents resorting to foraging for food. The UN’s World Food Programme reported halting operations in famine-stricken areas due to escalating violence. Humanitarian worker Omar Manago emphasized that many families have not had adequate meals for months as the situation deteriorates.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk underscored the gravity of the situation, warning that lack of immediate aids could result in mass fatalities. Reports indicate that markets in North Darfur have largely vanished, with pervasive looting accompanying the widespread destruction wrought by paramilitary forces.
In Khartoum, as violence escalates, volunteers attempt to distribute scarce resources to those in need, yet the demand far exceeds the limited offerings available. The beloved customs of Ramadan have faded; previously abundant traditions like iftar meals have significantly diminished in frequency and availability.
As the war tears apart communities, residents mourn not only for the lost traditions but also for the companionship that characterized Ramadan in better times. Mohamed Moussa, a doctor from Omdurman, expressed his nostalgia for bonding with loved ones over shared meals and the festive decorations that now feel like distant memories.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has severely undermined the celebration of Ramadan, with economic hardship and famine overshadowing traditional customs. Prices have skyrocketed, making basic necessities unaffordable for many families, while food scarcity has left residents in dire conditions, particularly in conflict areas. Humanitarian efforts continue to struggle against rampant violence and logistical challenges, as the situation remains critical for millions of Sudanese during this holy period.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
