A cross-section of Khartoum residents on Tuesday complained of significant deterioration in living and security conditions due to the ongoing conflict in the state.
Since 15 April 2023, Khartoum and several Sudanese regions have witnessed fierce battles between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The intensity of battles has increased in recent days in areas South and Central of Khartoum, Old Omdurman, and the Hattab area in the East of the Nile.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, the residents expressed concerns over a significant deterioration in living conditions, food shortages, scarcity of essential goods, and stagnation in markets due to the continuation of the war and the disruption of communication networks in the state.
Mohammed Abdullah Kandasha, Spokesman for the South Belt {Janoub Al-Hizam} Emergency Room in Khartoum, confirmed a significant rise in prices and a shortage of food items in markets in general. Kandasha added that families were in dire need of food items during Ramadan.
Meanwhile, Mazen Abdullah from the Soba East area said the worsening humanitarian conditions were due to the disruption of internet and communication networks; hence, they cannot access humanitarian aid through bank transfers.
He mentioned irregular satellite communication (Starlink) devices rented at high prices from the Rapid Support Forces for bank transfers, explaining that the devices helped alleviate congestion.
“The Room received transfers from expatriates in the form of support, contributing to the establishment of central food kitchens that provide one meal a day during Ramadan,” he said.
Abdullah explained that goods are scarce in markets due to overreliance on food supplies from Shendi and Atbara cities, which has inflated transportation costs.
He also said some traders had been attacked by armed highway robbers who confiscated their goods.
“All these factors put together, there is a scarcity of food items. Citizens have to rely on lentils and beans for survival.”
Abdullah explained that the security situation in the area, as the rest of the country, remained unstable due to the ongoing fighting in several areas of Khartoum.
Omar Habib Allah from the Alwadi Al-Akhdar area corroborated the theory of how the disruption of communication networks had contributed to poor living conditions in the region.
He said citizens were suffering due to the scarcity of food items and the lack of money, which has led many groceries to stop giving people food on credit.
The selling system is conducted through the Bank of Khartoum application (Bankak), which in turn is used through high-fee satellite links (Starlink) for Wi-Fi delivery, leading to an additional burden on citizens.