In the Country with the World's Worst Displacement Crisis: Sudan (Encore)
State of the World from NPR
Deep Dive
What is the current displacement crisis in Sudan and how severe is it?
The ongoing war in Sudan has displaced approximately 12 million people, making it the worst displacement crisis in the world. The conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has devastated towns and cities, forcing millions to flee their homes.
What are the key challenges faced by people returning to Omdurman after fleeing the war?
People returning to Omdurman face immense challenges, including rebuilding their lives amid ruins, soaring rent prices, tripled fuel costs, and food scarcity. Many homes and infrastructure have been destroyed, and the threat of shelling remains constant.
How has the war impacted Sudan's cultural heritage in Omdurman?
The war has severely damaged Omdurman's cultural heritage, including historic monuments and museums. The Sheikh Garibala Mosque, over 100 years old, has been vandalized, with its walls covered in bullets, windows shattered, and graves dug up by fighters searching for valuables.
What role do community kitchens play in Sudan during the war?
Community kitchens, like the one run by Somaya Abduwahab and Mustafa Ezzeldine, provide essential support by serving meals to thousands of people weekly. These initiatives, funded by Sudanese locals and the diaspora, highlight the resilience and solidarity of the Sudanese people amidst the crisis.
What are the economic impacts of the war on everyday life in Sudan?
The war has caused severe economic strain, with rent prices soaring, fuel costs tripling, and food prices skyrocketing. Agriculture has been devastated, leaving half of Sudan's 45 million people on the brink of starvation. Despite these challenges, local initiatives provide some relief.
- 12 million displaced people
- Worst displacement crisis in the world
- Fighting between Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces
Shownotes Transcript