A week of aerial attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group has left Port Sudan reeling. The Red Sea city, once considered a safe haven from Sudan’s devastating civil war, is now facing severe shortages of water and power. The attacks, which began on May 3, have targeted fuel depots, the international airport, and other critical infrastructure.
Residents are struggling to access basic necessities, with water prices increasing fivefold. Mutasim, a 26-year-old displaced person, told the BBC, “Soon, we won’t be able to afford it.” He explained that a day’s supply of water previously cost 2,000 Sudanese pounds ($3.30; £2.50), but now costs five times that amount, leaving his family without enough water for cooking, cleaning, and bathing.
Life in Port Sudan
Daily life is slowly returning to normal, with markets and shops open, but long queues for fuel are common. Mutasim added, “It could take me five hours to get petrol.” The city’s blackouts, which have been ongoing for two weeks, have worsened since the attacks. “My auntie is over 70 years old, she is struggling with the heat and humidity because there is no electricity for fans at night,” Mutasim said. “We can’t sleep.”
Humanitarian Concerns
Port Sudan serves as a critical hub for humanitarian agencies, including the UN’s World Food Programme, which has distributed nearly 20,000 metric tonnes of food through the city in March. However, the attacks have raised concerns about the flow of aid. Leni Kinzli, WFP spokesperson for Sudan, said, “Port Sudan is our main humanitarian hub.” Shashwat Saraf, country director for the Norwegian Refugee Council, warned that the attacks could “severely constrain the delivery of life-saving food and medical supplies.”
Resident Testimonies
- Hawa Mustafa, a teacher from Darfur, said the attacks left her “living in fear.” “The drones came to us and we returned to a state of war and the lack of safety,” she told the BBC.
- Mariam Atta said, “Life has changed completely. We are struggling to cope. The fear is constant.”
The situation in Port Sudan remains dire, with residents facing significant challenges in accessing basic necessities. The international community is working to mitigate the humanitarian crisis, but the situation remains uncertain.