Employees of the Ministry of Social Development in Sudan’s Khartoum State have voiced concerns over the non-payment of their salaries during the ongoing conflict which commenced on 15 April 2023.

In a statement issued by the workers, they highlighted how the conflict has intensified their hardships, pushing them to the brink of famine as they struggle to afford even the most necessities due to nonpayment of their salaries.

The workers emphasized that the conflict has caused a surge in commodity prices, the depreciation of the Sudanese currency, and disruptions to essential services. Additionally, they lamented the absence of international humanitarian aid.

Mohammed Osman Mohammed, a ministry employee, told Radio Tamazuj at the weekend that they have not received their salaries for over ten months. Amidst the conflict, they were only paid for three months.

He highlighted that they are among the most severely affected groups by the conflict. Some have been displaced outside the state, while others remain in conflict areas, unable to relocate.

“The non-payment of salaries has made it impossible for us to meet our basic needs and support our families,” he said. “Some workers suffer from chronic illnesses and we have tragically lost several colleagues due to financial hardships. Despite appealing to all relevant authorities for salary payments, we are yet to receive any assistance.”

Osman advocated for equitable treatment, similar to federal ministries that continue to receive their full financial entitlements every month, including salaries, incentives, and holiday bonuses, despite the ongoing conflict.

The ministry employs 1,200 individuals, with 915 of them receiving salaries funded by the first item in the budget, along with contract workers. An additional 285 employees in Al-Maiyuga receive their salaries from operational support provided by the finance department, with wages fluctuating at low levels.

Earlier, Sudan Finance Minister Dr. Jibril Ibrahim stated in a television interview that civil servants have been receiving their salaries.

“All employees in Sudan receive their salaries at the end of each month although not at the expected level of incentives and bonuses, but rather at the rates paid in 2023,” he said.

However, Aaliyah Mohammed Awad Al-Karim, the director of sponsorship at the Ministry of Social Development in Khartoum State, contradicted Jibril Ibrahim’s statement.

“We have not received our salaries for 10 months,” she said, highlighting the inaccuracy of Dr. Ibrahim’s statement.

Aaliyah issued a plea to all relevant authorities regarding the injustice and mistreatment experienced by state employees due to the non-payment of their salaries.