Sudan’s economic crisis is getting worse. The country’s currency keeps losing value. At the time the cost of basic goods is rising fast. This is putting more pressure on families that have already suffered for over three years because of war.
In Omdurman people who sell goods and people who live there say prices for food items like sugar, beans, lentils and onions have gone up a lot. Shopping for needs has become much harder. The exchange rate keeps changing. This makes it difficult for businesses to know how much things will cost when they need to restock. It messes up trade. Creates uncertainty.
Merchant Hassan Hamed said some traders are holding onto their products. They are afraid that if they sell now they won’t be able to buy stock later at the same price. The dollar keeps getting stronger so the cost to buy goods goes up.
The economy has been worsening since fighting started in April 2023 between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The fighting has stopped production. It has damaged roads, power systems and other important infrastructure. Public institutions have weakened. Poverty is getting worse. Unemployment is high. Food insecurity is growing.
Economic researcher Abdullah Mohamed Ali said the drop in the value of the currency is hitting households directly. As the exchange rate goes up the cost of food and other necessary items goes up too.
As people’s incomes fall in value more and more struggle to pay for the basics. Civil servants, teachers, healthcare workers and pensioners are, among those having a time. Many families are cutting back on food, healthcare and education. They are relying more on loans or help from aid.
The war continues. It keeps putting pressure on Sudan’s economy. It keeps hurting the people who live there.
