A severe transport crisis has gripped the Blue Nile region of Sudan, with residents in cities such as Damazin and Roseires struggling to find public transport. The situation has been exacerbated by a shortage of vehicles and rising fares on several routes. Long waiting times at bus stops and stations, as well as overcrowding when vehicles become available, have made daily journeys to workplaces, markets, and educational institutions increasingly challenging.
The rising cost of fuel, which is largely only available on the black market, has contributed to the increase in transport fares. Tuk-tuk fares on the Market-Northern Zareiba route have risen from 2,000 to 3,000 Sudanese pounds, while minibus fares have increased from 1,000 to 1,200 pounds. The fare hike has placed an additional burden on households, particularly low-income families, students, and employees who rely on public transport every day.
Residents are calling for urgent intervention by the relevant authorities to address the crisis. Al-Tahir Sabit, a resident of northern Damazin, said he had been waiting for transport since 9 a.m. in vain due to the absence of tuk-tuks and minibuses. He urged the authorities to intervene and address the crisis, citing the difficulties faced by residents in finding transport and the overcrowding that occurs when vehicles become available.
Civil society activist Atif Abdallah attributed the transport crisis to fuel shortages, particularly diesel and petrol, in Damazin and Roseires. He added that the crisis was a direct reflection of the conditions created by the ongoing war in the region. Abdallah urged the government and relevant authorities to strengthen oversight of transport fares, ensure fuel supplies, and identify alternative solutions to ease the crisis.
Transport operators are also facing mounting challenges linked to higher operating and maintenance costs, as well as difficulties obtaining fuel. Jamal Makki, a tuk-tuk rider, said operators were struggling with rising operating costs, explaining that a fare of 2,000 pounds no longer covered the expenses of running the business. He cited the long queues for fuel and the impact on working hours and daily income.
The transport crisis is occurring amid ongoing military confrontations between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces in several localities in the region. The situation has compounded people's hardships amid difficult living conditions and declining purchasing power. Residents are facing growing hardship amid deteriorating living conditions and the continuing effects of the war.
The relevant authorities were unavailable for comment by the time of publication. As transport remains scarce and fares continue to rise, residents across the Blue Nile region are facing growing hardship. The crisis has highlighted the need for urgent intervention to address the fuel shortages, regulate transport fares, and improve the availability of public transport in the region.
Key points
- The transport crisis in Blue Nile has been exacerbated by fuel shortages and rising fares.
- Residents are calling for urgent intervention by the relevant authorities to address the crisis.
- The crisis has compounded people's hardships amid difficult living conditions and declining purchasing power.
