Sudan is witnessing an unexpected surge in the demand for donkeys as a direct consequence of a substantial increase in fuel prices, according to reports from international media. With fuel shortages plaguing petrol stations, the war-weary population of the country is turning to donkey carts as an alternative means of transportation.
One displaced individual, Hasan Abubakar Hasan, shared his experience: “I escaped war in Khartoum and reached al-Qadarif. Like others, I also did not get a job here. That’s why I decided to buy this donkey cart.” This sentiment reflects the dire economic and humanitarian situation faced by many in Sudan.
A video circulating on Facebook showcased a notable presence of donkeys at a Friday Bazaar in al-Qadarif, illustrating the shift to traditional transportation methods due to the escalating fuel prices. The civil war in Sudan, ongoing since last April, has resulted in thousands of casualties and disrupted the country’s food supply.
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has set up checkpoints, leaving citizens stranded without road transport, and petrol stations have run dry. Fuel suppliers from army-controlled areas have been unable to resupply petrol stations in Al-Jazira since the RSF’s intervention, causing the price of scarce fuel to surge 20-fold to 25,000 Sudanese pounds or approximately $20 per liter.
Responding to the fuel crisis, the rates for donkeys have seen a significant increase, ranging from $350 to $450, as explained by Usman Ali, a dealer in the bazaar. The price variation is attributed to the type of the animal, highlighting the economic hardships faced by the Sudanese population.
