The city of Duwim, located in Sudan's White Nile state, is experiencing a severe crisis following an attack on its power station. On October 19, 2026, the Rapid Support Forces launched a drone attack on the Mashkour power transmission station, destroying the control room and one of the electrical transformers. This incident resulted in a complete power outage in Duwim, Al-Kuwa, and Wad Al-Zaki. The city's residents are struggling with the aftermath, facing significant challenges in their daily lives.
The absence of electricity has led to a substantial increase in the price of ice, which has risen from 10,000 to 30,000 Sudanese Pounds (SDG). This surge has affected the residents' ability to preserve food and store drinking water, as ice has become a primary means of cooling. Muhammad Idris, a resident of Duwim, stated that the power outage has had a direct impact on households' daily needs. The increased cost of ice has added to the financial burden on families, who are already struggling with high living costs.
The power outage has also affected the production of bread in Duwim. Many bakeries have been forced to operate at reduced capacity due to the lack of electricity, leading to a shortage of bread in the market. The situation has been exacerbated by the increased cost of fuel, which has made it difficult for bakeries to operate efficiently. As a result, residents are facing difficulties in accessing bread, further compounding the challenges they are facing.
In addition to the increase in ice prices, the cost of mobile phone charging has also risen significantly. The cost of charging a mobile phone has reached 2,000 SDG, which is a substantial burden for many residents. Some residents have resorted to using solar panels to charge their phones, while others have been forced to rely on friends and family members who have access to generators or solar power systems.
The crisis has also led to the emergence of a new commercial activity in Duwim. Some residents have begun using solar panels to charge mobile phones for a fee, taking advantage of the high demand for phone charging services. However, this has also led to concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable residents who are unable to afford the high cost of phone charging.
The situation in Duwim remains challenging, with residents struggling to access basic necessities like bread, ice, and electricity. The local authorities have not provided any information on when the power is expected to be restored, leaving residents to rely on alternative means of accessing these essential services. The crisis has highlighted the vulnerability of the region's infrastructure and the need for urgent investment in the power sector.
The economic impact of the crisis is also significant, with many residents facing substantial financial burdens due to the increased cost of living. The situation is likely to have long-term consequences for the local economy, particularly for small businesses and traders who rely on electricity to operate. The authorities will need to take urgent action to address the crisis and restore power to the region as soon as possible.
Key points
- The price of ice has risen from 10,000 to 30,000 SDG in Duwim.
- The cost of mobile phone charging has reached 2,000 SDG.
- The power outage has affected bread production and availability in the region.
