White Nile, January 15 (Darfur24)
Food distribution in Rabak, White Nile State, descended into heavy overcrowding this week, prompting security forces to intervene to disperse large crowds gathered to receive humanitarian aid, witnesses told Darfur24.
Residents said hundreds of citizens rushed to the Saudi humanitarian organization distributing food baskets, leading to chaotic scenes as people struggled to secure assistance amid deepening economic hardship.
A resident told Darfur24 that widespread unemployment and the absence of stable income have left families dependent on aid. “We line up in front of humanitarian organizations to survive,” he said. “But the presence of women and elderly people forces many of us to step back and give them priority.”
Witnesses said the intensity of the crowd and the visible distress of beneficiaries brought the organization’s local representative to tears, reflecting the scale of need in the community.
They added that former officials affiliated with the National Congress Party were seen among citizens advocating for relief assistance.
According to residents, each food basket contained 20 kg of flour, 5 kg of sugar, 3 kg of lentils, 3 kg of salt, four packets of pasta, and approximately 8 pounds of cooking oil.
White Nile State has witnessed growing reliance on humanitarian aid as economic conditions deteriorate and job opportunities remain scarce.