Khartoum, Sudan – In the bustling neighborhoods of southern Khartoum, residents face extraordinary challenges as they navigate a daily existence marked by power shortages and rising costs. Husna Mohamed, a 34-year-old mother of five, exemplifies the resilience of families managing under increasingly challenging circumstances. Each day, she undertakes the arduous task of transporting jerrycans to a communal water pipe, as power outages render the electric motor she once used to draw water ineffective.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which has persisted for over three years, has exacerbated an already fragile power grid, leading to pervasive energy disruptions across the country. The situation has been further complicated by geopolitical tensions, including the US-Israeli tensions with Iran, which have unsettled energy supply chains in the Gulf region. This has resulted in a tightening fuel supply, significantly increasing import costs and intensifying the daily struggles for Sudanese families.

In recent weeks, widespread power cuts have impacted nearly every aspect of daily life, hindering households from maintaining basic services and exacerbating the cost of living. The Sudanese pound has depreciated sharply, losing approximately 20 percent of its value against the US dollar, which now commands more than 390 pounds on the black market. Fuel prices have surged, directly inflating the costs of transportation, food, and essential goods.

While the Sudanese government has announced plans to improve services, including electricity, in Khartoum, the realities of restoring services in an atmosphere of conflict and a global energy crisis reveal significant hurdles. With limited ability to store food due to power outages, families like Husna’s are resorting to cooking meals the same day over firewood or charcoal.

The ripple effects of the fuel crisis are evident in local economies. For example, car mechanic Ahmed Ali, Husna’s husband, finds his income significantly curtailed due to the power losses affecting his workshop. Fuel prices have risen dramatically, causing operational costs to climb beyond affordable limits.

Local merchants are equally impacted, with market conditions deteriorating sharply. Abdulhafiz Fadl Muhammad, a vendor at the al-Kalakla al-Lafa market, notes that both customer foot traffic and supply costs have declined, compelling him to invest in solar power solutions to keep his business viable amidst increasing prices. Essentials like sugar, flour, and cooking oil have seen substantial price hikes, straining household budgets.

Economist Mohamed al-Tayeb highlights that Sudan’s economy is especially vulnerable to energy disruptions due to its heavy reliance on land transport and power-dependent production. He emphasizes that the country’s overstressed electricity networks, often consisting of improvised installations, were never designed to handle the demands of the present population.

Despite these challenges, the spirit of community resilience emerges in Khartoum. Residents have turned to solar power for certain services, restoring a fraction of the lost infrastructure. This collective effort reflects a strong community bond, with families sharing resources and creating informal systems to mitigate the impacts of rising costs. However, these arrangements remain fragile, with many smaller traders and daily-wage workers especially vulnerable to ongoing economic shifts.

The challenges posed by the electricity shortage have transformed from temporary inconveniences into a daily reality for Sudanese families. Husna Mohamed’s household, like many others, shows remarkable adaptability in the face of system failures, highlighting the strength and solidarity of communities enduring hardship while striving for a brighter future.

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