Sudanese Prepare for Ramadan Amid Rising Meat Prices and Ongoing Conflict

As Ramadan approaches, residents of Gedaref in eastern Sudan are preparing for the holy month despite the ongoing civil war. Meat prices are high, with an ewe costing around 650,000–700,000 Sudanese pounds ($1,080–$1,163), but markets remain active. Trade continues, including livestock exports to Egypt, and locals report some improvement in market conditions. The UN has launched a $700 million Sudan Humanitarian Fund, aiming to provide aid before Ramadan begins on 17 February.

Muslims across the globe are preparing to observe the holy month of Ramadan, which is set to begin next week, and Sudan is no exception. Despite the country grappling with a prolonged and devastating civil war, daily life continues in certain areas, and people are making preparations for the month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. In the eastern city of Gedaref, a major agricultural and commercial hub situated on the road between Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, and the Ethiopian border, residents are flocking to local markets in anticipation of Ramadan. However, many are being taken aback by the high cost of meat, a staple of the traditional Iftar meal that breaks the daily fast.
Mohamed Ibrahim Ahmed, a Gedaref resident, explained the situation in simple terms: “In Ramadan specifically, livestock prices go up because demand is higher than supply and due to people fasting during the day.” The sharp rise in prices is particularly noticeable in the cost of sheep and goats. For instance, an ewe in Gedaref’s markets currently costs between 650,000 and 700,000 Sudanese pounds, which translates to roughly $1,080 to $1,163. Such figures are beyond the reach of many ordinary citizens, especially those whose livelihoods have been disrupted by years of conflict and displacement.
Despite these challenges, Gedaref continues to function as a key center for trade and agriculture. Mohamed Gomaa, a local livestock farm owner, detailed the scale of commercial activity in the region. “We have two markets [in Shawak] on Saturdays and Tuesdays,” he said. “We export to Egypt around 250 to 300 camels on Saturdays and from 150 to 200 camels on Tuesdays. The market is big and turnover is high.” His words reflect a thriving trade network that persists even in times of national crisis, highlighting the resilience of local communities who depend on livestock for both subsistence and income.
Sudan has been enduring a brutal civil war for nearly three years, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people. The prolonged conflict has not only caused loss of life but also worsened food insecurity, disease outbreaks, and general hardship in many parts of the country. Despite the dire situation, traders and residents in Gedaref report that conditions in their markets are improving. Mohamed Othman, another local resident, remarked, “Prices are still reasonable till now, no high increases. And even if it happens, it is not that high. We expect the situation to improve by Ramadan. We don’t know what will happen, but the situation in the country is better now.” His statement reflects a cautious optimism among the people, as they hope for stability and accessibility to essential goods during the holy month.
In response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, the United Nations has launched a new Sudan Humanitarian Fund, which has received $700 million in contributions from international partners, including the United Arab Emirates and the United States. The UN’s humanitarian chief emphasized that the initiative aims to deliver tangible improvements in the lives of Sudanese citizens, with the start of Ramadan on 17 February set as a key deadline to demonstrate progress. This fund seeks to provide food, medical supplies, and other essential assistance to communities struggling under the combined pressures of war, displacement, and economic instability.
As Ramadan approaches, residents of Gedaref and other parts of Sudan are preparing to observe the month with hope and resilience, despite the ongoing hardships around them. Markets remain a focal point of activity, as families purchase meat, grains, and other essentials to ensure they can celebrate the holy month properly. While prices are high and uncertainty persists due to the civil war, local traders and community members are working to maintain a sense of normalcy, ensuring that the spiritual and communal aspects of Ramadan can still be observed in their daily lives. The combination of local efforts and international humanitarian support offers a glimmer of hope for Sudanese citizens as they navigate both the challenges of conflict and the sacred traditions of the holy month.