As Ramadan commences, Sudan faces a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by war, high inflation, and food shortages. Families in Port Sudan struggle to afford basic holiday staples, while conflict regions experience severe famine and limited aid. Traditional Ramadan practices have been disrupted, leaving residents mourning lost communal connections during this important month.
Residents along Sudan’s eastern coast are preparing for Ramadan amidst soaring prices amidst the ongoing conflict. In Port Sudan, a comparatively stable area, families find holiday essentials unaffordable due to rampant inflation and shortages caused by nearly two years of war. Sugar has reached 2,400 Sudanese pounds per kilo, while mutton costs 28,000 pounds.
In war-torn regions, particularly in western Darfur and Kordofan, the situation has become increasingly dire, with famine, displacement, and supply route disruptions dominating daily life. Many struggle to secure basic sustenance, leading to cases where residents are forced to consume leaves and peanut shells to survive. The United Nations warns that starvation will worsen if aid does not surge.
The ongoing violence has severely limited the ability of humanitarian organizations to assist those in need, leading the World Food Programme to suspend operations in certain famine-stricken areas. The humanitarian situation in North Darfur has deteriorated, with assessments revealing severe shortages of food and water, and aid workers reporting families have not had proper meals for months. Volker Turk, the UN human rights chief, has cautioned about a potential humanitarian catastrophe if assistance does not increase significantly.
Conflict has also severely disrupted traditional Ramadan practices, affecting how residents observe the holy month. Prior communal iftar celebrations and charity efforts have diminished significantly due to the ongoing hostilities. Personal sentiments echo the loss felt across communities, with individuals stating they miss gathering with family and friends for meals and traditions once cherished during Ramadan.
In summary, the ongoing war in Sudan has transformed the observance of Ramadan into a difficult struggle for many. With soaring prices and limited food availability, families are grappling with the impacts of inflation and violence on their ability to celebrate the holy month. Efforts to provide humanitarian support are hampered by conflict, exacerbating the crisis. Without immediate action to address these challenges, the risk of widespread famine and suffering remains high.
Original Source: www.arabnews.jp
