Sudan

Interview: Life in Sudan during the current conflict

Tristan Brady, Sarah Fitzpatrick & Badia Wahab

30 May 2023

Recently, we interviewed Zuelkefl, a 23 year old man living in Sudan who gave us an insight into what life is like for people living in Sudan during the current unrest.

Keep reading to learn more about Zuelkefl, the current living conditions in Sudan and the every day issues now facing ordinary Sudanese people and how people around the world can help.

Tell us a little about yourself.

"My name is Zuelkefl and I am a 23 years old university student in Sudan who has not completed my studies yet due to the political upheavals in Sudan since the outbreak of the revolution in December 2018.

I have an account on Twitter where I cover events in Sudan since the outbreak of the revolution. I share all news about protests, revolutionary movements, and everything that matters to the ordinary Sudanese citizen. I convey it with sincerity, especially after the increase in fake news and many people spreading a political agenda that does not meet the desires of the people. I represent their voice in my account. Currently, after the outbreak of the war, I am helping to spread awareness about the needs of Sudanese people (medicine, housing, transportation, consultations, etc.). My friends and I also collect and distribute donations to those in need."

Are you currently living in Sudan, or when did you leave Sudan?

"Yes, I currently live in Sudan, specifically in the east of Sudan. I live with my small family. We left the capital, Khartoum, on April 19th, the fourth day of the outbreak of the war. The situation had become too dangerous and bullets started coming through the windows. It was our duty to ensure our safety and leave."

How do conditions look in Sudan at the present time?

"At present, Sudan is experiencing difficult economic conditions, especially the residents of the capital, Khartoum. After many of them were displaced and lost their jobs, leaving them without a source of income. From a security perspective, Khartoum has become unsafe due to the war, and your life can be in danger at any moment.

In terms of basic necessities like electricity, water, and food, it has become extremely difficult to obtain them. There are areas where electricity has been cut off since the outbreak of the war more than 40 days ago, and there are also frequent power outages in many areas that can last for several days. Currently, there are many displaced people who have sought refuge in the states due to the massive overcrowding, which has led to skyrocketing prices of apartments and houses. Additionally, many others are still present in Khartoum because they cannot afford the cost of travel or do not have a place to go to."

What are the biggest problems people face every day in Sudan?

"One of the biggest problems people are facing currently is the uncertainty about the duration of the war. They all wish to return to their homes due to the devastating economic deterioration that occurred in a short period of time. There has been looting, killing, and the loss of many possessions, and now they fear how they will not make ends meet after losing their jobs and livelihoods. On the other hand, they are also struggling greatly with electricity, water, fluctuating communication networks, and occasional disruptions in banking payment applications."

Do you have family or friends still living in Sudan? If so, how are they?

"Currently, all members of my family have left the capital Khartoum. Some have displaced to safe states within Sudan, while others have left the country."

How can people around the world help the people of Sudan?

"People can help the Sudanese by providing medicines as they have become extremely scarce, and we are losing many patients due to the lack of medication. We also hope that people can support Sudanese, even with a word of encouragement, and amplify their voices because they are suffering and living in harsh conditions."

In what ways does sending mobile recharge help people in Sudan?

"Sending mobile recharge to Sudan helps keep people in contact. There are prepaid recharge cards available for purchase in some stores, but they are somewhat difficult to obtain due to the suspension of new card production by telecommunications companies. There is a shortage in obtaining prepaid recharge cards, specifically for the Zain network so sending recharge to Sudan has never been more beneficial to people. As for Sudani and MTN networks, currently there are no functioning methods to purchase credit as all systems are not operational."

Ding are working alongside Zain to make sending mobile recharge to Sudan as easy as possible. If you are trying to keep in contact with someone in Sudan or are looking to help keep them connected, click the button below to send Zain Sudan mobile recharge in seconds.

We have also made a donation to Unicef who are working tirelessly on the ground in Sudan to help children and displaced families who have been affected by the crisis. Visit Unicef’s website today to see how they are helping or to make a donation.

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