The city of Kadugli, the provincial capital of South Kordofan State, is going through a severe food crisis, triggered by the ongoing war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Facing famine, many families have started to depend on the tree leaves of the “Kol Wam Baji” plants.
“There is a scarcity of basic commodities and a sharp increase in prices,” resident Asim Ahmed told Darfur24. He said residents are relying on leaves to eat, as prices have doubled several times and most economic activity has come to a halt. State employees have not been paid for nine months, Ahmed said.
The situation is desperate: a government official told Darfur24 that the rate of begging among children has increased by nearly 60% in the state. 97% of Kadugli citizens depend on government salaries, according to figures.
A social welfare official — who preferred to remain anonymous — told Darfur24 that Kadugli city used to receive more than ten trucks loaded with goods and health supplies daily before the siege. But now, due to the closure of the Deling-Kadugli and Dealing-Dabaiba roads, less than five trucks arrive from the Alnaam market on the border with South Sudan.
The social welfare employee added that the specter of famine is looming over the cities of Deling and Kadugli due to the closure of roads, the scarcity of food supplies, and the unavailability of many goods in the markets. Over a third have allegedly reduced the number of meals they are eating, and more than a quarter of children have started working in response.
“Many families have resorted to selling assets such as home furniture or animals to confront the crisis,” they said.