Sudan’s Struggle with War, Hunger, and Economic Collapse

Since mid-April 2023, Sudan has been facing severe economic hardship compounded by a new and devastating war. This unprecedented conflict erupted in the capital, Khartoum, and some western states, tragically claiming the lives of hundreds of civilians and displacing thousands more. The specter of famine looms large, as the World Food Programme (WFP) already warned of hunger impacting a third of the population before the war even began. The question remains: how did a significant portion of the country descend into such brutal violence and street warfare?

In just one year, Sudan has suffered losses exceeding those of its long civil wars. The recent conflict, particularly concentrated in Khartoum State, has transformed large swaths of the capital into ghost towns. Many residents are trapped, unable to move or flee the fighting. Hundreds of homes have been occupied by armed groups, with some reports of civilians being used as human shields.

This conflict has fundamentally altered the landscape of Sudan. A nation once known for its productivity has become heavily reliant on aid. The war has triggered widespread job losses and a significant rise in prices. The Sudanese pound has reached its weakest point since the 2019 revolution, with the black-market exchange rate soaring to 1,960 pounds per dollar in late June 2024. This represents a dramatic increase from the pre-war rate of 560 pounds.

Hafez stares at the empty shell of a house, a monument to a stolen future. "Fourteen years of sweat in Saudi Arabia," he sighs, "gone in a heartbeat." He built this home in Sudan, a symbol of his success and a promise of a better life for his family. Now, the walls stand bare, stripped of everything – furniture, appliances, even the electrical wiring hidden within. "$150,000 of savings," he mutters, the number echoing the hollowness around him.

The war came swiftly, a brutal shock that shattered the normalcy of their lives. Terrifying news reports and the sounds of clashes in their once-peaceful neighborhood replaced their dreams of a developed Sudan. "We were trapped," Hafez recalls, his voice heavy. "Our house, like countless others, became a battleground. Food and water were scarce, and getting my family out cost me more than $2,000." Shame flickers in his eyes. "The humiliation of not being able to protect your loved ones, of leaving them thirsty and hungry – that's a wound that won't heal easily."

Khartoum descended into chaos. Rebels ransacked homes, stealing not just valuables like gold, but the very safety of women and children. Shops shuttered, the Sudanese pound plummeted, and food prices skyrocketed. Even humanitarian aid wasn't spared, seized and sold at exorbitant prices by the rebels, adding another layer of suffering.

Over a year later, Sudan remains in a state of shock. The conflict drags on, leaving a trail of destruction – economic devastation, social breakdown, and a constant sense of fear. Every day brings fresh anxieties: soaring prices, the crippling cost of basic necessities, and the ever-present danger, especially for the most vulnerable.

"The government is paralyzed," Hafez says, frustration creeping into his voice. "Salaries haven't been paid for months, especially in healthcare and education. The private sector is no better, forced to slash wages to survive." The lack of liquidity, the grinding halt of businesses, and the skyrocketing costs of transportation and shipping have crippled the economy.

"The true cost," Hafez continues, a tremor in his voice, "is measured in lost opportunities, stolen childhoods, and a future mortgaged by war. We barely have access to healthcare and education now, with hospitals, universities, and schools left in ruins. This conflict is costing Sudan hundreds of billions of dollars, pushing us back decades. But hope remains, a flicker in the darkness, that normalcy will return someday."

Hafez's story is not unique. It's a stark reminder of the human cost of war, a cost borne not just by soldiers, but by families, communities, and a nation's future. The dream of a peaceful and prosperous Sudan may seem distant, but Hafez's unwavering hope serves as a spark, a testament to the resilience of the Sudanese people.