Millions more are set to go hungry this year as economic turmoil and erratic rains drive up prices and reduce harvests, with a halt to foreign assistance and war in Ukraine putting food supplies at further risk. The rising levels of hunger forecast by UN threaten to further destabilise a country that faces growing conflict and poverty following military takeover. Cost of small loaves of bread risen from 2 pounds to 50. 87% of imported wheat comes from Russia and Ukraine, making it one of the Arab world’s most exposed countries to the war. WFP estimated people experiencing hunger will double by Sept to 18 million due to high prices, reduced harvest and conflict. It’s not exclusively driven by conflict anymore, it’s about structural issues – inflation, availability of foreign currency. Farmers are unable to afford seeds, fertilizers, fuel…unrest in some important farming regions, rainfall scarce in some places, too heavy in others. Yields of sorghum, millet, wheat 30% lower. Sudan will face first deficit of sorghum, traditional staple grain, since droughts in the 1980s. People used to be ashamed to say they were hungry, but now it’s clear. Reuters
Use of military force in S Darfur killed 45 people. Dagalo: Local authorities should strike with an iron fist, authorized implementation of emergency law. His language sparked fears of more fighting. Darfur has seen deadly clashes between rival tribes as the country remains mired in a wider crisis following last year’s coup. The conflict broke out when rebels from ethnic central and sub-Saharan Africa launched an insurgency in 2003, complaining of oppression by Arab-dominated government in Khartoum…government responded with aerial bombings and raids by Janjaweed militias, mass killings and rapes; 300,000 people were killed. AP
Police and militias shoot and kill protester, stab 4 with knives and machetes. A doctor had seen 4 protesters treated for stab and cut wounds, 2 in critical condition. Police and militia sending a clear message that tear gas, snipers’ rifles and shotguns are not bloody enough to terrorise peaceful protesters, as thousands took to the streets to demonstrate against the coup and worsening living conditions…I saw them wearing Central Reserve Police uniform and carrying machetes, waving them in the air to intimidate protesters near central station. Knives leave less evidence…It’s a sign of changing tactics. US sanctions have done nothing to chasten forces. The regime is getting more brutal as economic woes bring even more people onto the street. This is especially true with Ramadan starting tomorrow. Ramadan proved to be a key period for the movement that brought down al-Bashir, with protesters able to easily come together and take part in sit-ins and resistance. Resistance Committees earmarked 6 April as a big day for demonstrations. Doctors for Human Rights: We call on the international community to exert more pressure on coup leaders to stop the horrific violations. Middle East Eye
Central Comm of Sudan Doctors announced 1 protestor was killed and dozens injured Thurs. Eisam Hasab al-Rasoul, 23, was shot in the chest by security forces, leaving the number killed at 93 since the coup. 16 protestors injured by gunfire, including critical injury of a gunshot wound to the chest, during Burii demonstrations. Dozens more injuries the next day as peaceful protestors were fired upon by forces with bullets, tear gas and sound bombs in an effort to disperse demonstrators headed towards the palace. Protesters chanted slogans denouncing the coup, calling the army to return to barracks, full civilian rule and retribution for those killed during protests. El Obeid, El Gedaref,
Wad Madani and Pt Sudan witnessed excessive violence during demonstrations: El Gaderef protestors faced tear gas and excessive beating with sticks and truncheons, Gen Intelligence Svc arrested 5 activists – Dr Suleiman, lawyers Osman and al-Rashed, Abdallah and Moshen. 6 activists of Al-Hafir Resistance Comm were issued a fine for protesting hikes in electricity fees, building barricades to prevent lorries heading to and from Egypt. Dabanga