Fasher– In light of the difficult economic conditions imposed by the war in Sudan since last April between the Sudanese army and its allies on the one hand and the Rapid Support Forces on the other hand, the city of El -Fasher in Darfur is one of the most affected areas of the repercussions of this war.
With the entry of the blessed month of Ramadan, the population faces new challenges represented in the sharp rise in prices and the difficulty of securing basic foodstuffs, which presses families, and makes it difficult for them to meet their needs during this holy month, with what requires an increase in spending on food and daily needs.
However, this crisis did not stop the wheel of economic life in the city, but rather prompted merchants and consumers to devise alternative solutions to adapt to the new reality, as it has become necessary to improve purchase and marketing strategies, which reflects the society’s ability to adapt to harsh conditions and move forward despite the challenges.
Market adaptation
In the face of the shortage of supplies coming from eastern Sudan, the residents of Al -Fasher City in Darfur resorted to more dependence on local products, as farmers intensified their efforts to provide basic foodstuffs such as corn, millet and vegetables, which have become a major alternative to imported goods that have become rare or expensive.
The merchant Mohamed Suleiman told Al -Jazeera Net: “We had to modify our work methods, as we have become more dependent on local products such as corn, millet and vegetables,” the merchant Mohamed Suleiman told Al -Jazeera Net.
He pointed out that under the current circumstances, the markets witnessed an increase in the sales of local meat as an alternative to imported chicken, which has become rare by the siege.
Suleiman added with sadness: “The systematic artillery shelling by rapid support on the city’s markets has made merchants live in a daily nightmare.”
He stressed that the main market, known as the Grand Market, was completely closed as a result of the bombing, which increased the difficulty of reaching the basic commodities.
“Most of the stores are just ruins. We are trying hard to rebuild what is destroyed, but hope fades with every shell that falls.”
In a related context, Jamal Haroun, one of the vegetables and fruits sellers in the Abu Shok camp market for the displaced north of Al -Fasher, said that customers have become more aware of the importance of local products, as they prefer to buy local commodities, which helped improve the position of farmers and increase production.
In his interview with Al -Jazeera Net, he explained that imported meat and poultry are out of the accounts of most of the population these days, pointing out, “We have suffered a lot because of the destruction that caused our markets. Many traders have lost their business, which affected our ability to meet the needs of customers.”
He stressed that the wounds are deep, expressing his hope to restore security and stability soon, and the return of the normal life of the markets, which was once filled with movement and vitality.
International absence
Despite the harsh challenges taking place in the city, families were able to find ways to adapt to the effects of the war and the economic crisis during the month of Ramadan, where neighbors and relatives are cooperating in exchanging available resources, which helps reduce heavy burdens.
Local authorities and charitable kitchens also play a pivotal role in providing food aid to the displaced and needy families, especially with the increasing demand for these services during the holy month.
On the other hand, the active international role in alleviating the crisis is absent, as the United Nations programs and major relief organizations are almost completely absent from the scene, due to security restrictions and the complications of arrival imposed by the Rapid Support Forces in Darfur.
In this context, activist Omar Ibrahim, who works in a group kitchens, told Al -Jazeera Net: “We have not seen any international aid entering El -Fasher since the war began. Even charitable donations from abroad are no longer enough, especially with the increase in the number of displaced people.”
“The situation gets worse day by day, and we are working tirelessly to meet the needs of people, but external support was necessary to alleviate these burdens,” he added, stressing that the absence of aid exacerbated the suffering of families, which requires an urgent response from the international community.
Local reports indicate that the vast majority of families in the city of El Fasher depend on societal solidarity to meet their daily needs, as there is no role for international organizations in the region.
Besides, many families have resorted to changing their consumption patterns, as some reduce food quantities or rely on less expensive alternatives to meet their needs, which reflects their awareness of the importance of facing the difficult reality, and enhances their ability to adapt to crises and challenges.
Power efforts
According to the Director General of the Ministry of Welfare and Social Development in North Darfur, Dr. Badour Adam Mohamed, her government, despite the complex circumstances, managed this year to distribute a food basket for the blessed month of Ramadan for some poor families in the city of El Fasher at a cost of 550 million Sudanese pounds (equivalent to about two million and 261 thousand dollars).
She explained to Al -Jazeera Net that the project included the distribution of quantities of millet, sugar, dates and food oil to 4,500 families in the neighborhoods and centers of the displaced, in addition to the ticks of food inside the city.
She stressed the importance of cooperation between all concerned parties to ensure the sustainability of aid and meet the needs of people in these difficult times.
Since mid -April, the Rapid Support Forces have imposed a siege on the historic city. Last May, the battles escalated in an attempt to control Al -Fasher, but faced strong resistance from the army and its allies.
These clashes led to the destruction of the city’s infrastructure and the disruption of basic services, as it caused great damage to the markets and electricity and water facilities, which greatly affected hospitals, schools and other vital services.
