Understanding Life in Sudan Amidst Conflict and Insecurity: A Personal Perspective
Living in Sudan amidst the ongoing conflict is an arduous and perilous experience. This article provides a glimpse into the challenging realities people face daily, highlighting the humanitarian crisis, food insecurity, and displacement. It also shares personal insights from a Sudanese who has lived both outside and within the country.
Violence and Insecurity
Heavy fighting occurs in densely populated areas, such as Khartoum and other cities. People face a grim choice: staying home and risking bombings, looting, or forcible eviction, or fleeing, which presents dangers on the road and challenges in crossing borders. Many are stranded unable to escape the violence.
Humanitarian Crisis
The war has caused a devastating humanitarian catastrophe. Approximately 16,000 lives have been lost, and millions have been displaced. Diplomatic efforts to end the crisis have failed, exacerbating the suffering and uncertainty for civilians. The current situation is marked by fear, insecurity, and the struggle for survival amidst bombings and displacement.
Food Insecurity
Intense conflict, organized violence, and economic decline have driven approximately 17.7 million people, 37% of the population, into high levels of acute food insecurity. Desperation and displacement have become more pronounced, especially in Khartoum, the capital city. We hope for a better future where justice, freedom, and peace prevail.
Personal Experiences and Insights
Sudan is an amazing country with a very decent and kind people. Despite the ongoing conflict, it offers a sense of being at home and living among your people. As a Sudanese who was born and raised outside Sudan, returned later as a university student, I provide a unique viewpoint on Sudan's societal and economic challenges.
The Sudanese people are easy to approach, kind, and generous. They will provide advice, help, and protection when needed. However, tribal supremacy and internal conflicts make that kindness less prevalent among themselves. Khartoum is a big city consisting of three smaller cities: Khartoum, Khartoum Bahri, and Omdurman. The Nile separates these cities. The population comes from all over Sudan, and the bus system connects the city with the road network. Railroads are available for travel to other cities in the country. Cars are considered a privilege and are very costly due to government taxes.
Sudan's government is supposed to be democratic and Islamic, but this is not the case. People are not well-informed about governmental affairs, and corruption is a serious issue. The economy is dire, influenced by corrupt government officials who manipulate pricing, availability, and tax systems. This has led to many protests due to high prices. Despite Trump administration lifting American sanctions, the economic situation has worsened, and the government is blamed for the economic challenges.
In nature, Sudan has many natural forests, containing diverse life forms. Hunting is a concern, but within natural compensating range. If you are coming to Sudan for a short stay, it can be a memorable visit with many historical and natural sites. However, if you plan on a long stay to start a new business, be cautious due to the unpredictable economic situation. For Sudanese people, having a normal job helps mitigate the challenges of the economy.
As we aspire for a better future, this article aims to highlight the challenges faced by those living in Sudan and provide a hope for a better tomorrow. The resilience of the Sudanese people in the face of adversity is remarkable, and we hope that positive change will prevail.