Sudan: Poverty, Social Crisis Worsen Amid Economic Collapse

May 31, 2014 | Abohoraira Ali, Green Left Weekly
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Sudan’s people are bearing the brunt of the country’s deepening economic crisis.

According to Bella Bird, World Bank director for Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan, half the population is now living below the poverty line. Last August, Sudanese economist Hassan Satti estimated the real figure would likely exceed 95%.

Prices for fuel and food staples have been steadily rising. The price of bread has doubled in the past year alone. At the same time, real wages have declined. The minimum wage is below US$50 a month, but many earn less. Sati estimates that wages cover just 5% to 6% of family expenses.