Sudan is facing a severe economic crisis amid ongoing conflict, with soaring prices and significant humanitarian needs. Traditional Ramadan celebrations are greatly diminished, reflecting the challenges citizens face in daily life. Farmers are particularly affected by transportation difficulties and market access, complicating food security.
Sudan’s economic crisis is escalating, with the Ministry of Finance reporting in May 2024 that essential sectors are immobilized, leading to a drastic 80 percent drop in government revenue. Stricken by war, citizens such as Mubarak Abdul-Salam, who opened a grocery store after fleeing southern Khartoum, strive to celebrate Ramadan amidst devastation. Despite his festive decorations, he faces immense challenges, as customers are deterred by rampant inflation and scarcity.
The skyrocketing prices of basic commodities reveal a dire situation. A sack of millet has surged from 40,000 to 200,000 Sudanese pounds, while maize prices have jumped from 30,000 to 150,000 pounds. The sharp decline of the Sudanese pound, now trading at 2,500 pounds to the U.S. dollar on the black market, accentuates the worsening living conditions.
In Port Sudan, the heart of commerce, the spirit of Ramadan has diminished significantly, with traditional customs absent due to insecurity and curfews. Khalid Hassan notes a stark contrast to previous Ramadans, while Faiza Al-Nour, recently displaced, shares her sorrow over the inability to celebrate as before.
The humanitarian crisis looms large, with the Humanitarian Aid Commission reporting 28.9 million people in need of assistance in late 2024, a figure which the UN later estimated to have escalated to 30.4 million by January 2025. The economic collapse is further complicated by disruptions in both imports and local agricultural distributions.
Farmers like Abdul-Qadir Abdoun lament the crippling challenges they face transporting their goods to market due to the conflict, highlighting the broader ramifications of the war on food security and livelihoods in Sudan. Farmers have reported significant losses, unable to sell their harvests at profitable prices.
In summary, the ongoing conflict in Sudan has severely impacted the economy, driving prices sky-high and creating immense humanitarian needs. Traditional Ramadan celebrations are overshadowed by economic hardship and insecurity, as evidenced by the disappearance of cherished customs. With millions requiring assistance and farmers suffering significant losses, the future of Sudan remains uncertain amid this turmoil.
Original Source: english.news.cn
