PORT SUDAN, Sudan, Nov. 10 (Xinhua) -- As Sudan's capital Khartoum remains engulfed in a devastating war, Port Sudan, the capital city of eastern Red Sea State, has emerged as a critical refuge. Since hostilities erupted in April 2023, the coastal city has become a sanctuary for thousands of displaced Sudanese, with its population swelling and resources strained under the weight of the crisis.
Now serving as a hub for government operations, diplomatic missions, and humanitarian aid organizations, the city is grappling with a growing demand for essential services. "We have nearly 105,000 displaced people residing in shelters here," said Ilham Idris Gasmalla, the Red Sea State's minister of social welfare. "Additionally, about 44,448 families have been hosted by local households, and thousands more have rented homes in the city."
The economic impact has been equally severe, with supply chains disrupted and prices for basic goods soaring. "There is a significant price hike," Mohamed Al-Fateh Ezzeddine, a merchant in Port Sudan, told Xinhua, citing fluctuations in exchange markets as a key driver of the rising costs.
Access to drinking water has also become a critical issue. The collapse of the Arbaat Dam near Port Sudan in August has only worsened an existing shortage. "The suffering from drinking water scarcity has doubled," said Mohamed Aswad, a prominent local tribe leader. Residents now rely heavily on desalination plants, which struggle to meet demand.
Port Sudan's infrastructure is buckling under pressure, with dilapidated roads and an overwhelmed transportation system. "There is a significant increase in fuel and spare parts prices, forcing us to raise transportation fees," explained Moataz Ibrahim, a bus driver.
Efforts are underway to address some of these challenges. Ahmed Mohamed Tahir, the Red Sea State's minister of industry, said the government is seeking partnerships to establish local factories in essential sectors, aiming to reduce reliance on costly imports. "We must work to produce affordable goods locally," the official emphasized.
Located about 500 miles northeast of Khartoum on the Red Sea, Port Sudan is Sudan's main port and has now become a central refuge in the wider conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The violence, which has claimed over 24,850 lives and displaced millions, continues to cast a long shadow over the nation. ■