Sudan in the grip of war: an economic disaster
For several months, Sudan has been plunged into an unprecedented crisis. Clashes between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have not only caused thousands of deaths and displaced millions, but also caused a worrying economic collapse. According to IMF forecasts, the country’s GDP is expected to contract by 18% this year, a significant drop for a country already in great economic difficulty.
Agriculture, which represents nearly 40% of GDP and 80% of jobs in Sudan, has been heavily affected. Agricultural infrastructure has been destroyed, compromising access to basic services. In addition, the authorities have partially lost control of the Gezira agricultural megaproject, to the benefit of the paramilitaries. This situation endangers food security and worsens the economic crisis.
Another dramatic consequence of the war was the cessation of the sale of gold, the country’s main source of income. This disruption has a direct impact on the Sudanese economy, causing the value of the Sudanese pound to fall. Since the start of the conflict, the pound has lost nearly 50% of its value, leading to galloping inflation and a deterioration in the purchasing power of Sudanese citizens.
In addition to these internal economic problems, Sudan faces a large-scale humanitarian crisis. Mass population displacements have created additional pressure on existing resources, making access to basic services such as health, education and drinking water difficult. This humanitarian crisis further complicates the reconstruction and recovery of the Sudanese economy, which will require years of effort.
The impact of this dire economic situation is not limited to Sudan. Neighboring countries and North Africa as a whole also risk suffering the consequences. A weakened Sudanese economy means fewer business and investment opportunities for the region, which could slow economic growth across North Africa.
Faced with this unprecedented economic and humanitarian crisis, it is imperative that the international community provide significant support to Sudan. Financial and logistical assistance is needed to rebuild destroyed infrastructure, revive agriculture and revitalize the economy. By working together, we can help Sudan recover from this crisis and rebuild a better future for its citizens.
It is crucial to raise public awareness of this dire situation and encourage donors to provide aid to Sudan. Let us stand in solidarity with the Sudanese people in these difficult times and work together to rebuild a better future.
References :
– Article 1: “Sudan in the grip of war”, published on the blog [insert link here]
– Article 2: “The economic crisis in Sudan intensifies”, published on the blog [insert link here]
– Article 3: “The impact of the Sudanese crisis on the region”, published on the blog [insert link here]