Sudan: White Nile Traders Strike Over Rising Fees As Port Sudan Faces Water and Power Crisis

What the report says

Traders in Ed Duweim, in Sudan’s White Nile state, began a two-day strike on Tuesday after opposing higher fees on commercial activity, according to Dabanga via AllAfrica. The local Chamber of Commerce had called for the market to close through Wednesday, and traders said the new charges were too heavy for businesses and could drive up the cost of goods and services.

A trader identified as Awad El Tom said participation in the shutdown was complete and urged the local authority to reconsider the fees. He also raised concerns about the number of levies being collected and said some payments were reportedly taken without official receipts. Traders called for clearer collection procedures and talks between officials and the Chamber of Commerce.

The report also described a worsening water and power crisis in Port Sudan, where residents are enduring long electricity cuts and limited water supplies during a severe heatwave. People interviewed by Radio Dabanga said water prices have risen and that some households are relying on tanker deliveries. The article said health authorities had issued heat warnings for the Red Sea coast, including Port Sudan, advising residents to avoid direct sun and reduce outdoor exposure. The reported conditions highlight pressure on households and businesses as Sudan faces overlapping economic and infrastructure strain.