Darfur displaced ‘deprived’ of Ramadan celebration

Darfur’s soaring prices and deteriorating security situation are taking away the joy of the final Ramadan celebration of the internally displaced people living in the camps, camp officials claimed. The coordinator of the camps for the displaced in Kass, South Darfur, draws a gloomy picture of the living and security conditions which have been surrounding them. “The price rise in the camps has deprived thousands of displaced people from feeling the advent of the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Eid El Fitr,” he told Radio Dabanga. “This along with the continuing militia’s attacks on the displaced people.” He holds the government authorities responsible for the lack of security inside the camps. Several displaced people pointed out that the clothing of a few months-old boy costs more than SDG 75 ($13), while the clothing for an adult costs between SDG 150-170 ($30) or SDG 200-250 ($44). Many families in Darfur confirmed to the camps’ coordinators that they are unable to buy the requirements for the month of Ramadan. Parents are destitute, because the start of the new school year, coinciding with Ramadan, also requires additional expenses. A Sheikh of Deleig camp told Radio Dabanga that the situation during the fasting month of Ramadan “has become desperate”. “Since May, food prices are skyrocketing, and food rations have been cut.” File photo (Albert González Farran / Unamid) Related: Ramadan food prices soar in Darfur (1 July 2014) Eid Al Fitr: hopes for peace and stability in Sudan and Darfur (9 August 2014)