Darfur livestock markets show price gaps amid Sudan war disruptions

What happened

Radio Dabanga reports that livestock markets across Darfur are unusually well stocked with sacrificial sheep ahead of Eid El Adha, driven by relative stability in parts of South Darfur which has allowed livestock flows to resume. Traders in Nyala describe an unprecedented supply with prices ranging from SDG150,000 to SDG400,000 depending on size and quality, signaling varied affordability for local buyers despite inflation and war.

The report highlights a stark regional price distortion: sheep are available for relatively low prices in production areas such as Darfur, but sell for twice or more in regions like Kordofan and up to five times that in central, eastern, and northern Sudan. Livestock expert Dr Khalifa Bakht attributes this disparity mainly to war-related disruption, including road closures, higher fuel and transport costs, and sharply reduced local purchasing power in Darfur.

This economic distortion underscores how conflict fractures Sudan’s monetary system and supply chains, prompting calls from traders to secure and reopen transport routes to revive exports and stabilize prices. Some advocate expanding Sudan’s trade access to neighboring markets to better absorb surplus production from the west.

Known from the source

• Eid El Adha livestock markets in Darfur are well supplied with sheep despite ongoing conflict in Sudan.
• Sheep prices in Darfur range from SDG150,000 to SDG400,000 depending on size and quality.
• Livestock prices in Kordofan can exceed SDG1 million, and in central, eastern, and northern Sudan sometimes SDG2 million or more.
• Road closures and transport disruptions have significantly increased costs impacting livestock prices.
• A key road between North and South Kordofan reopened recently enabling delivery of essential goods and humanitarian aid.

What remains unclear

Meanwhile, in South Kordofan’s capital Kadugli, residents report a modest easing of shortages after a key road linking to North Kordofan reopened following military advances. UN humanitarian partners have begun using this route to deliver vital medical and food aid to nearby conflict-affected areas like Dilling, where shortages have worsened during fighting, though security remains fragile.

What remains unclear: Verify the current security and usability status of key transport routes between North and South Kordofan and routes used for livestock trade. Confirm the livestock price ranges across different Sudanese regions with independent sources or market data providers. Assess the reliability and exact sources of statements from traders and livestock experts cited. Ensure references to currency figures (SDG) use correct denominations and formatting.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Radio Dabanga. Open the source.