Port Sudan, a city previously regarded as a sanctuary amidst Sudan’s ongoing civil strife, is now grappling with the severe consequences of a week-long series of aerial assaults attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Black smoke fills the skyline as the city struggles to recover from the attacks that have devastated its infrastructure and disrupted daily life.
Impact on daily life and essential resources
The recent bombardment has led to a dramatic surge in the price of water, a critical resource that has become increasingly scarce. Following six days of drone strikes, smoke continues to rise from three targeted fuel depots, leaving rescue teams overwhelmed as they attempt to extinguish the fires. With the explosions crippling the supply of diesel essential for pumping groundwater, residents like 26-year-old Mutasim face dire conditions. He reported a staggering increase in water prices, noting that a day’s supply, which used to cost him 2,000 Sudanese pounds (approximately $3.30), has now escalated to 10,000 pounds.
“Soon, we won’t be able to afford it,” said Mutasim, highlighting the struggle his family faces in accessing basic necessities amidst the chaos.
While markets and shops remain operational, residents are confronted with long lines at petrol stations, exacerbating the challenges of everyday life. Many find themselves waiting for hours to acquire fuel, further complicating their attempts to navigate a city now fraught with uncertainty and fear.
Fleeing violence and seeking refuge
Many inhabitants of Port Sudan, including those displaced by the civil war, had initially sought refuge in the city, hoping for safety and stability. Mutasim, who relocated from Omdurman two years ago, expressed his concerns about the escalating danger and the financial burdens of potentially relocating again. His family had invested their entire savings in moving to Port Sudan, only to face renewed threats that have made their situation precarious.
Hawa Mustafa, a teacher from el-Geneina, echoed similar sentiments, recounting her fears as drone attacks turned her refuge into a scene of turmoil. Living with her four children in a makeshift shelter, she has been left to fend for her family in the absence of her husband, who is unable to leave due to the deteriorating security situation.
The humanitarian crises in Sudan have further intensified, with Port Sudan serving as a crucial hub for aid distribution. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), the city has been vital in delivering food assistance to those in desperate need. However, the recent attacks threaten to disrupt this lifeline, raising alarms among aid organizations about the looming famine affecting numerous regions across the country.
As the city grapples with power outages and the specter of violence, residents are left in a state of uncertainty, with many choosing to remain indoors out of fear. The vibrant social life that once characterized Port Sudan has been replaced by a somber reality, as the community faces the daunting challenges posed by ongoing conflict.