Ramadan in War-Torn Sudan: Struggles Amid Famine and Inflation

In Port Sudan, residents struggle to prepare for Ramadan amidst soaring prices due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The situation is dire, with rampant inflation and shortages of food, particularly in war-torn areas like Darfur. Famine looms as aid access remains limited, overshadowing customary traditions of generosity during Ramadan.

Residents in Port Sudan, situated along the eastern coast, are facing severe challenges in preparing for Ramadan due to skyrocketing prices brought on by the ongoing war in other regions of Sudan. The nearly two-year conflict has led to widespread famine, displacement, severe shortages, and looting, overshadowing the traditional spirit of generosity that accompanies the holy month.

In Port Sudan, a market that remains relatively safe, many families find prices prohibitive. For instance, sugar costs 2,400 Sudanese pounds ($1) per kilo, while veal and mutton are priced at 24,000 and 28,000 pounds respectively. Resident Mahmoud Abd El Kader lamented, “We are struggling to afford Ramadan goods,” highlighting the extreme expense of basic necessities.

The average monthly salary in Sudan is approximately $60, yet many public workers have gone unpaid during the conflict. Those receiving pay are grappling with the devaluation of the local currency, which has plummeted from about 600 pounds to 2,400 per dollar in the parallel market, amidst inflation rates that reached 145 percent in January.

In regions deeply affected by the conflict, particularly in Darfur and Kordofan, there are critical concerns regarding not just food prices, but also availability. Continuous fighting since April 2023 between opposing military factions has left tens of thousands dead and more than 12 million displaced, exacerbating hunger and cutting off vital supply routes.

Famine has taken hold in three displacement camps in North Darfur, with predictions of its spread to additional areas by May, according to a United Nations assessment. Residents of Darfur have resorted to survival tactics such as eating peanut shells and tree leaves, as aid agencies struggle to provide assistance due to escalating violence.

Omar Manago, a humanitarian worker in North Darfur, stated, “It is very difficult here. There is a severe shortage of drinking water and food. Many families have not eaten a proper meal in months.” The UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, warned that without immediate aid, many lives could be lost to famine.

In areas like Khartoum, where violence has intensified, volunteers are doing their best to distribute scarce aid. However, the lack of supplies has hampered efforts to fulfill the rising demands of the population. Ramadan traditions have significantly diminished; residents recall more prosperous times when sharing meals with neighbors was common during iftar.

Mohamed Moussa, a doctor at one of the few functioning hospitals in Omdurman, expressed the emotional impact of this loss, saying, “What I miss the most is breaking fast with family and friends, and the Ramadan decorations, too — these are among the things we’ve lost.”

The situation in Sudan during Ramadan is characterized by soaring prices and severe shortages due to ongoing warfare and economic instability. With famine looming and aid desperately needed, many residents find it increasingly difficult to observe their traditional Ramadan practices. The rising prices of essential goods and a lack of availability have significantly diminished the spirit of community and generosity typically associated with the holy month.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com