This archive report was first published on 11 August 2019.
As Sudan marks its first Eid al-Adha since the ousting of President Omar al-Bashir, the country's economic woes have cast a shadow over celebrations. The price of a sheep, a staple of the holiday, has doubled since last year, leaving many struggling to afford the traditional meal.
"You used to be able to find a sheep for 3,500 Sudanese pounds ($60)," said Mohamed Abdullahi, a farmer from Tuti, a rural island near Khartoum. This year, he paid 8,000 pounds, an amount he couldn't afford even after raising the price of his milk.
Despite the economic challenges, Eid markets in Khartoum's Bori neighborhood are witnessing record turnover, with traders using electronic payment cards to facilitate transactions. "Many people feel happy because of the revolution and the peace that was signed last week, that's why they want a real Eid celebration," said Maki Amir, a trader.
However, the celebrations are muted, with many residents still reeling from the loss of life during the protests. "Eid is not the same for everybody. Now I'm still in mourning for those who lost their lives," said Amir Abdullah, a resident of Bori.
The country's economy has been in a tailspin since the south seceded in 2011, and the past eight months of turmoil have taken a further toll. A deal was reached between the country's generals and protest leaders to transition to civilian rule in just over three years, but the country remains on the brink of economic collapse.
