Insecurity, prices soar, food rations cut, no jobs in Darfur

The residents of Zamzam camp in North Darfur are complaining of the soaring food prices. Speaking to Radio Dabanga from the Zamzam camp in North Darfur, an activist reported that the prices of basic commodities have dramatically risen. “Half a litre of cooking oil now costs SDG20 ($3.50), a quarter of a kilo of millet SDG30 ($5,25), and a pound of dry okra or dried tomatoes SDG40 ($7). “A family of seven needs about SDG120 ($20) a day to be able to cover the costs of their daily meals. It is incomprehensible how the people can survive, as there are no job opportunities at all. The people have become completely dependent on relief provided by humanitarian organisations, which in turn, have reduced the food rations.” In Nierteti locality in Central Darfur, people currently pay SDG28 ($5) for a malwa (3,145 litre) of millet, SDG45 ($7,85) for a pound of dry okra, while the price of a 100kg sack of onions has risen to SDG450 ($78,50), a listener from Nierteti told Radio Dabanga.   He attributed the price hikes to the deterioration of the security situation, and the continued assaults on commercial vehicles. File photo