Context:

Port Sudan, once a safe haven amidst Sudan's civil war, is now grappling with the aftermath of a week-long series of aerial attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group. The attacks have severely affected the city's infrastructure, leading to a dramatic surge in water prices as fuel depots were targeted, disrupting the pumps that supply groundwater. Residents like Mutasim, who fled from Omdurman, face dire water shortages and prolonged power outages, exacerbating the already challenging living conditions. Humanitarian agencies, which rely on Port Sudan as a hub to distribute aid, fear that the recent violence could further hinder the delivery of essential supplies. As people struggle with the lack of electricity and escalating insecurity, many, like Hawa Mustafa, live in constant fear and uncertainty about their future, questioning where to seek refuge next if conditions deteriorate further.

Dive Deeper:

• Port Sudan has been severely impacted by a week of drone attacks carried out by the RSF, resulting in widespread damage and a steep increase in the cost of essential commodities like water due to disrupted fuel supplies.

• The city, previously considered a safe retreat from Sudan's civil conflict, now faces substantial challenges as residents endure water scarcity and power blackouts, making daily life increasingly difficult.

• Mutasim, a 26-year-old who sought refuge in Port Sudan, describes the heightened struggles as his family grapples with the soaring cost of water and the lack of petrol, which has become a critical issue with long waiting times at fuel stations.

• Hawa Mustafa, another displaced person residing in Port Sudan, recounts her fears as the drone attacks evoke memories of war and insecurity, highlighting the psychological toll on those who have already fled violence elsewhere.

• Humanitarian efforts in Sudan hinge on Port Sudan, which serves as a key entry point for aid delivery; however, recent attacks threaten to disrupt these operations, raising concerns about worsening the country's dire humanitarian crisis.

• The World Food Programme and other aid agencies rely heavily on Port Sudan's port and airport to distribute food and supplies, and any impediment to these routes could exacerbate the famine and critical conditions faced by millions.

• The ongoing conflict and recent attacks have left the city shrouded in fear, with residents facing the dual challenge of physical insecurity and a deteriorating quality of life, prompting many to reconsider their options for safety and stability.