Ramadan Amid Crisis: Food Shortages and Inflation Plague Sudan

Residents in Sudan face exorbitant prices for Ramadan goods as inflation soars due to ongoing conflict. While Port Sudan offers some safety, war-affected areas suffer from famine and severe shortages. Humanitarian efforts are hampered by violence, leading to dire living conditions. Traditional Ramadan practices have diminished significantly, reflecting the profound impact of war on community and family bonds.

In Port Sudan, residents are struggling to afford essential goods for Ramadan due to rampant inflation, caused by the ongoing conflict in other regions of the country. The stark divide between safety on the eastern coast and the dire conditions in war-affected areas underscores the disparity as families face soaring prices for basic food items. Reports indicate sugar is priced at 2,400 Sudanese pounds per kilogram, while some meat costs reach as high as 28,000 pounds, greatly burdening families during this holy month.

The monthly salary for many laborers hovers around $60, yet some public workers have not received payment amid the fighting, which has caused the local currency’s value to tumble. With inflation at 145% as of January, residents find it increasingly challenging to afford basic necessities. In dire circumstances, some regions are facing not just high prices but complete shortages of available food, especially in conflict zones.

The war has resulted in rampant famine in specific areas, particularly in parts of Darfur and Kordofan, where essential supply routes have been severed. According to assessments, starvation has begun to affect displacement camps, leading individuals to resort to consuming peanut shells and tree leaves. Humanitarian efforts are stymied by the violence, with agencies like the UN’s World Food Programme suspending operations due to safety concerns.

Humanitarian workers have reported devastating conditions, indicating that many families have not had a proper meal in months. The UN human rights chief has expressed alarm over the potential for mass deaths without a significant increase in aid. The situation remains critical as looting and destruction of markets exacerbate food scarcity, particularly in Khartoum, where volunteers struggle to provide assistance amidst fierce conflict.

Traditionally cherished Ramadan customs are fading amid the turmoil, with those once preparing communal iftar meals now unable to participate in such gatherings. Residents lament the loss of family and communal bonding typically fostered during the holy month as simple traditions have become casualties of war. Many express a deep sense of loss regarding the shared experiences that once characterized this sacred period, seeking the warmth of family and community during Ramadan.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has overshadowed the holy month of Ramadan, with rampant inflation and severe food shortages affecting both residents in the eastern coast and those in war-torn regions. The plight of the citizenry is dire, characterized by skyrocketing prices, diminished humanitarian aid, and a significant loss of traditional customs. Without substantial intervention, the situation could worsen, leading to catastrophic consequences for countless families during this holy season.

Original Source: www.arabnews.jp