Latest from Al Taghyeer
Al Taghyeer
2 days ago
- Health
- Al Taghyeer
Alarming spread of cholera in Darfur, medical charity says
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) urged the UN agencies and NGOs to act fast: mobilize funding, deliver supplies, and deploy more staff, especially in South Darfur. Khartoum: Altaghyeer Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has expressed deep concern over the rapid spread of the cholera epidemic across various states in Sudan, particularly in the Darfur region, which is experiencing a high influx of displaced people. The cholera outbreak has spread significantly over the past two months, especially in the capital city of Khartoum and other states, prompting experts and local and international organizations to urge for declaring health emergency. 'Cholera has been confirmed in Darfur for the first time since the conflict began; a deeply concerning development in a region with a high number of displaced people and limited access to clean water and sanitation', MSF said in a press release on Wednesday. South Darfur is the worst affected, the medical charity added, explaining that they support fluid replacement points in this State's residential areas in collaboration with the state Ministry of Health. MSF also said it opened a new cholera treatment center at al-Nahda Hospital in Nyala. The organization revealed that Nyala Teaching Hospital, which is also supported by MSF, recorded around 250 cases since May 27. MSF is also providing life-saving care in West Darfur, particularly in al-Geneina, where they support two cholera treatment centers. The organization has appealed to UN agencies and NGOs to act fast: mobilize funding, deliver supplies, and deploy more staff, especially in South Darfur.
Al Taghyeer
5 days ago
- Business
- Al Taghyeer
Sudanese Gum Arabic: The Impact of War and the Challenges of Value Addition
Sudanese Gum Arabic: The Impact of War and the Challenges of Value Addition By: Omer Sidahmed Gum Arabic: A Strategic and Economic Resource in Sudan Gum Arabic is one of Sudan's most significant natural resources and a major contributor to both the national economy and international trade. Sudan holds a leading global position in the production of this strategic botanical commodity, accounting for 70–80% of the world's supply. It is primarily derived from two types of acacia trees: Acacia senegal (Hashab) and Acacia seyal (Talh), which thrive in the low-rainfall savannah belt that spans Kordofan, Darfur, Gedaref, and parts of the Blue Nile and Sennar states. The gum Arabic industry directly or indirectly supports over five million households, serving as a vital lifeline for rural communities, especially in impoverished and fragile areas. This sector encompasses the entire value chain—from harvesting to export. Before the war, Sudan's annual gum Arabic production ranged between 60,000 and 80,000 metric tons, with more than 90% exported globally. This made Sudan the world's largest supplier. The raw market value ranged from $120 to $180 million annually, but this figure could rise significantly if the gum were processed into final industrial products. These products include food emulsifiers, dietary supplements, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, and their global market value could exceed $600 million annually—highlighting the vast untapped economic potential of this vital sector. Economic and Social Importance of Gum Arabic Gum Arabic's international importance lies in its unique chemical and physical properties, which make it an essential binding and stabilizing agent in a wide array of industries. It is used in soft drinks, confectionery, emulsions, pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, textiles, printing, and other advanced industrial applications. Used in over 1,000 commercial products worldwide, gum Arabic enjoys steady and increasing global demand. Locally, the sector significantly contributes to foreign currency reserves and income stability for farmers and rural communities, underscoring its strategic economic and social value for Sudan. The Sector Before the War: Missed Opportunities Before the conflict, gum Arabic was Sudan's third-largest foreign currency earner after gold and oilseeds. According to Sudan's Ministry of Trade, exports generated between $110 and $150 million annually and provided both seasonal and permanent employment for small producers, contributing to social stability in rural areas. Efforts were made to develop the sector through improved tree varieties, incentives to prevent deforestation, and local manufacturing initiatives. However, these efforts remained limited due to poor infrastructure and a lack of strategic vision for maximizing economic returns. Challenges to Value Addition in the Gum Arabic Sector Despite its economic significance, Sudan faces real obstacles in achieving value addition for gum Arabic. Prior to the war, the raw production value ranged from $120 to $180 million annually, but if processed into final products, the potential market value could range from $600 to $800 million—exposing a massive revenue gap. A key barrier is the high cost of domestic taxes and fees, which can reach 825,000 Sudanese pounds per ton. In contrast, neighboring countries like Chad and Niger charge as little as $1 per ton. This disparity discourages formal exports and pushes many exporters toward smuggling, costing the government hundreds of millions of dollars annually. For example, exporting 60,000 tons of raw gum at an average price of $3,000 per ton yields $180 million. If the same amount were processed into final goods selling at $10,000 per ton, revenues would reach $600 million—a direct annual loss of $420 million due to the absence of value-added industries. On the international market, raw gum sells for $2,500 to $3,800 per ton, depending on quality. After processing, its value increases to $8,000–$12,000 per ton—four times higher. This places Sudan in a dire economic situation, losing at least $400 to $600 million annually by exporting raw gum instead of processing it locally. Applications of Gum Arabic and Strategic Opportunities Processed gum Arabic is used across many industries, particularly: – Soft drinks, as a stabilizing agent – Pharmaceuticals, as a binder – Cosmetics, as a moisturizer – Food products, as a thickener and texture enhancer Major companies such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Nestlé, and Unilever are among the top importers, reinforcing Sudan's strategic position in global supply chains—if this potential is effectively harnessed. However, this strategic position is threatened by: – Declining international trust in Sudanese production and export systems – Lack of global quality and certification standards – Inadequate industrial infrastructure – Ongoing economic recession – Widespread smuggling Additionally, domestic prices for gum have fallen below 15,000 Sudanese pounds per quintal, discouraging producers and leading to declining productivity—a warning sign of further deterioration without urgent reform. The War's Impact on the Gum Arabic Sector The war that erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has devastated Sudan's gum Arabic sector. Conflict expanded into key production areas such as Khartoum, Darfur, and Kordofan, which are critical to gum Arabic harvesting. Violence and insecurity displaced hundreds of thousands and damaged gum farms, transport routes, and storage infrastructure. Under these conditions, gum harvesting has become extremely dangerous. Violence, looting, and militia extortion forced many producers to halt activities or resort to cross-border smuggling as a survival strategy. According to FAO and WFP, production during the 2023/2024 season dropped to under 40,000 tons—down from a pre-war average of 80,000–100,000 tons. Over 40% of production is now smuggled into countries like Chad, South Sudan, and Senegal, where it is re-exported under other national brands. This not only deprives Sudan of revenue but also damages its reputation and reduces access to foreign currency. Moreover, reports indicate that militias are exploiting gum revenues by taxing local producers or seizing control of transportation and marketing networks. Supply chains have collapsed, and both domestic and international companies have exited the market, causing official export levels to plummet. Impact on Rural Communities The crisis has had a direct and devastating impact on millions of Sudanese rural families who depend on gum Arabic as their primary or sole source of income. As production and legal export opportunities dwindle, producers face reduced economic returns and limited livelihood alternatives. Without effective government support in financing, training, or infrastructure, most producers rely on traditional, low-yield practices, increasing sectoral fragility and undermining its resilience to economic and security shocks. These conditions exacerbate rural poverty and marginalization, driving migration and increased involvement in informal and unsafe activities such as smuggling. Solutions and Future Prospects Addressing the challenges facing the gum Arabic sector requires a comprehensive approach starting with an end to the war and reconstruction of the value chain. Priorities include: – Immediate ceasefire and durable peace – Ensuring security in production zones and supporting the return of displaced persons – Investing in local manufacturing and value-added industries – Combating smuggling and improving oversight – Empowering producers and supporting rural communities Analytical Conclusion The war has revealed deep structural deficiencies within the gum Arabic sector and exposed the fragility of its institutional and technical management systems. Sudan must move beyond raw exports and develop value-added industries to create jobs, increase revenues, and strengthen its global competitiveness. This crisis is a crucial test of Sudan's ability to manage its vital resources for sustainable development. Gum Arabic remains one of Sudan's most important strategic assets—not only for its economic and industrial value but also for its potential to rebuild rural communities and support national recovery. Failure to add value to gum Arabic represents a major missed opportunity. Transforming this sector is not optional; it is a national, economic, and environmental imperative. Restoring Sudan's leadership as a trusted gum Arabic supplier requires ending the war, achieving lasting peace, initiating deep economic reforms, and establishing inclusive, sustainable development.
Al Taghyeer
07-06-2025
- Business
- Al Taghyeer
War Economy in Sudan
War Economy in Sudan A Reading of the World Bank Report (May 2025)and the Post-War Challenges By Omer Sidahmed Sudan on the Brink: Economy in the Grip of War and the Long Road to Recovery Introduction: A War That Destroyed Everything Two years after war broke out in April 2023, Sudan stands at the edge of an unprecedented humanitarian and economic catastrophe. Over 61,000 people killed in Khartoum alone, and 12.9 million displaced — the worst displacement crisis globally. The war hasn't only displaced people — it has displaced the state itself: services halted, institutions collapsed, and the economy disintegrated. The new World Bank report paints a bleak picture — but also proposes a roadmap to recovery, provided the war ends and a national reform project begins. This article reviews the key findings of the report and offers a critical reading based on Sudan's complex political-economic reality. Economic Collapse in Numbers Sudan's GDP shrank sharply by 29.4% in 2023, followed by another 13.5% contraction in 2024, reflecting the massive destruction of infrastructure, production, and services. Inflation surged to 170%, and unemployment hit 47%. Most alarming: extreme poverty jumped to 71% of the population — up from 33% pre-war — based on the $2.15/day poverty line. The Sudanese pound collapsed, with black-market exchange rates exceeding 2,600 pounds per dollar, far beyond the official rate. Government revenues dropped to below 5% of GDP, leaving the state unable to pay salaries or fund public services. Agriculture: A Battered Sector with Lingering Hope Agriculture accounts for 35% of GDP and over 50% of jobs, yet it was devastated by war: farmers displaced, equipment looted, roads destroyed, and supplies disrupted. Grain output fell 46% in 2023 compared to the previous year, with sorghum and millet yields 50% below average. Yet the report identifies agriculture as a key pillar of recovery. Due to its geographical spread outside conflict zones, it remained relatively intact and became a refuge for families fleeing urban warzones. With proper investment, infrastructure, and institutional support, the sector could double its contribution to growth, the report argues. Path to Recovery: Reform or Reconstruction? The World Bank outlines a three-pronged approach for urgent recovery: Economic Policies Resume the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) debt relief initiative. End commodity subsidies and reform electricity tariffs to favor the poor. Unify exchange rates and restore trust in the financial system. Structural Reforms Launch major investments in agriculture and infrastructure. Reopen trade routes and reduce customs tariffs. Limit military control of the economy and dismantle the shadow war economy. Social Justice and Peacebuilding National reconciliation, truth commissions, reintegration of the displaced. Reform education and health systems, and expand social safety nets. Demine war zones and create safe environments for people and economic activity. Critique: A Technocratic Vision Detached from War Economics Isolated Indicators While the report details GDP contraction, inflation, unemployment, and currency collapse, it treats them as though they result from a natural disaster or external shock — ignoring war-related financing mechanisms and the actors driving the conflict. The informal war economy — the real foundation of Sudan's current economy — is entirely absent. So too are illicit financial flows that fund militias, gold smuggling, and parallel foreign exchange networks. There's no analysis of how state institutions were captured by military elites and militias, transforming public assets into fuel for war. Total Omission of Foreign Trade In a country heavily reliant on imports and exports, the report ignores foreign trade dynamics. There's no discussion of border control, where gold exports go, or how neighboring countries like the UAE, Egypt, Libya, and Chad facilitate or enable smuggling networks. Arms trade and informal finance channels that sustain the war economy are not addressed. Banking System: The Elephant in the Room It's puzzling that the report completely omits the banking sector, which effectively collapsed. Most commercial banks ceased operations within the first month of war in Khartoum — the hub for over 70% of bank branches. The system is now fragmented, distrusted, and isolated from global financial networks. Without functioning financial institutions, no monetary reform is possible, despite the report's recommendations. From 'Development Critique' to 'War Critique' A Chatham House report (March 2025) found that gold has become direct fuel for the war, with 70–80% of production smuggled, primarily to the UAE, and used to purchase arms and pay fighters. The state is absent, and its most valuable resource is financing conflict, not development. Repackaged Neoliberal Failure The World Bank's proposed reforms recycle previous neoliberal prescriptions — privatization, subsidy cuts, price liberalization — which have failed before. These policies did not deliver social justice; they deepened inequality and dependence. Even after the December Revolution, these policies persisted under the grip of the former regime's security apparatus. Social support systems were dismantled with no viable alternatives, while security forces monopolized national resources. Justice and Reconciliation: Beyond Cosmetic Fixes Justice can't be legislated; it requires dismantling impunity and marginalization systems. Reconciliation isn't slogans — it's accountability, militia disarmament, and reintegration. Displaced communities won't return without guarantees, compensation, land restitution, and restored services. Lessons from South Africa and Rwanda In South Africa, reconciliation wasn't free — it was tied to truth-telling and confession of crimes. In Rwanda, Gacaca community courts combined justice with reconciliation. The lesson: no peace without genuine transitional justice that honors victims and confronts atrocities. No Recovery Without Ending the War All recommendations in the report are moot unless the war ends immediately. There can be no economic reform, return of displaced people, or reconstruction amid continued bombing and militia rule. Ending the war is not optional — it is the first and absolute priority. Conclusion: From Ruin to Hope Sudan's recovery is impossible without immediate cessation of hostilities and a new political path toward civil governance and inclusive justice. Continued war renders even the most rational reforms empty illusions. Once the guns fall silent, a short-term emergency plan must begin — centered on agriculture as a practical base for food security and social stability. This plan should prioritize rebuilding essential agricultural infrastructure destroyed by war and decades of neglect, including: Irrigation channels and medium-sized dams (Gezira, Rahad, Halfa, Suki). Farm roads linking production to markets. Research and extension centers. Crop storage and aggregation hubs. Water wells and livestock drinking sources. Natural rangelands damaged by drought and displacement. Inland fisheries that ceased in regions like Upper Nile and northern dams. This infrastructure must be restored urgently and progressively, alongside provision of fuel, seeds, fertilizers, equipment, and direct technical support for farmers, herders, and fishers. Such a plan can open a recovery window and restore local communities' trust in a functioning state. Agriculture can be the cornerstone — but not the foundation alone. True recovery requires comprehensive political, institutional, and economic reform to move Sudan from extraction to production, from looting to justice, and from exclusion to inclusive governance. June 2025
Al Taghyeer
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Al Taghyeer
Urgent Humanitarian Appeal from al-Fashir Resistance Committees
The crisis extends beyond food to include acute shortages in medicine, water, and basic essential services while the city is under daily indiscriminate artillery bombardment. Al-Fashir: Altaghyeer The Coordination of the Resistance Committees in al-Fashir, capital of North Darfur in far west Sudan, on Monday issued an urgent humanitarian appeal to stop the comprehensive humanitarian disaster in the city. Al-Fashir has been under constant shelling and bombarment by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, who seek to capture the only remaining major city in Darfur, still under army control. The coordination confirmed that famine has become a daily reality threatening the lives of thousands of families who can no longer find food to eat. The Coordination Committees pointed out that the crisis is not limited to food but also includes severe shortages in medicines, water, and basic survival services. The Coordination appealed to charity organizations and government agencies to provide direct and urgent support to the voluntary Communal Kitchens, which serve as the last lifeline for thousands of hungry people, and which have mostly stopped operating due to lack of supplies. Markets are nearly empty of essential commodities, and when available, the soaring prices make them inaccessible to the vast majority of the civilian population, the Coordination said. Dozens of neighbourhoods are subjected to daily shelling, exacerbating the plight of civilians trapped in hunger and fear, dying silently amidst growing local and international indifference, the Committees complained.
Al Taghyeer
24-05-2025
- Health
- Al Taghyeer
Khartoum cholera outbreak due to environmental degradation, minister
There are over 600 confirmed cases of cholera per week during the past four weeks, the health minister said, adding that this increase was expected because of prevailing poor environmental conditions. Khartoum: Altaghyeer Sudanese Minister for Health, Haytham Mohamed Ibrahim, has attributed the cholera outbreak in Khartoum state to environmental degradation following the army recapture of areas and the return of residents, particularly in Jebel Awlia and Salha quarters south and west of Khartoum respectively, with acute lack of clean drinking water and poor environmental conditions. The minister said in press statements on Saturday between 600 to 700 cholera cases were being confirmed weekly over the past couple of weeks, adding that this increase was expected given the spreading of poor environmental conditions. The minister praised the efforts exerted by Khartoum State government in collaboration with UN agencies and international organizations, resulting in the establishment of at least 8 cholera treatment centres and boosted disease control efforts. Cholera resurgence has also been reported in six other states including al-Gezira, central Sudan, where localities like al-Haj Abdullah took the drastic precautionary measure of closing down schools and markets places, according to news reports. Al-Taj Abdel Rahman, working at the city's main hospital, revealed that 46 cases and 6 deaths were reported over the past six days. The Health Minister has, however, stressed that the health situation was fully under continuous monitoring by the Federal Ministry of Health's Emergency Room, which works around the clock to implement the required measures. He confirmed that the upcoming cholera vaccination campaign will contribute to reducing the number of cases. The two year old war, between the Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, has led to a catastrophic collapse of medical services coupled with the spread of diseases and threat of famine.
