The jubilant spirit of Ramadan, a holy month traditionally marked by community gatherings and feasting, is dimmed in Sudan this year. As the war between the Sudanese military and paramilitary forces approaches its first anniversary, millions find themselves displaced and grappling with hunger, casting a long shadow over Ramadan festivities.
Displaced and Hungry: A Ramadan Unlike Any Other
Mohamed Ali, forced to flee his home and seek refuge in a displacement camp in Port Sudan on the Red Sea, paints a stark picture. “Everything we used to do in Ramadan – how we ate, drank, and celebrated with loved ones – all of that is gone,” he laments. Gone are the elaborate communal meals and joyous nighttime gatherings that once characterized Ramadan in Sudan. Now, Ali and countless others rely on the goodwill of volunteers running community kitchens for a simple Iftar meal to break their daily fast.
The war, which erupted last Ramadan amidst simmering tensions following a four-year power-sharing agreement, has exacted a devastating toll on Sudan. The UN estimates that over 8.5 million people have been displaced from their homes due to the fighting. This staggering number is compounded by a worsening hunger crisis, with an estimated 18 million people facing acute food insecurity.
Resilience Amidst Hardship
Despite the hardships, the Sudanese spirit of generosity and hospitality persists. “The war has frightened some people, but it hasn’t stopped others from opening their hearts and homes to anyone in need,” observes Sheikh Khalid Abdul Rahman, an imam in Omdurman, a city that has witnessed intense fighting in recent weeks. Community kitchens operate throughout Sudan, a testament to the unwavering compassion of many citizens.
The international community has expressed hope for a ceasefire and renewed peace talks following Ramadan. The United States has indicated their intention to resume peace talks, with the Sudanese people yearning for an end to the conflict. “Everyone is tired of war,” says Hanan Hassan, volunteering at a community kitchen in Omdurman. “We pray that with God’s help, this war will finally come to an end.”
Sudan’s Ramadan this year reflects the nation’s struggle. Yet, amidst the displacement and hunger, flickers of hope remain. The resilience of the Sudanese people and the international community’s commitment to peace offer a glimmer of a brighter future where Ramadan can once again be a joyous celebration.
Source: Reuters
