Relief Between Livelihood and Corruption
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A brief tour of the markets and streets of several Sudanese cities, particularly in Port Sudan, the temporary administrative capital, reveals a dark side of corruption: markets filled with relief supplies that were supposed to reach those in need.
International, regional, and UN organizations have sent massive shipments of humanitarian aid to mitigate the economic effects of the war. However, these supplies have not been spared from the hands of corrupt individuals who see them as an opportunity for profit.
Relief Diversion
During a field tour, we observed relief supplies in the homes of citizens who do not meet eligibility criteria. According to information we obtained, these supplies are sold in various ways: through known markets or directly by individuals. Notably, some sales occur within the displacement shelters themselves.
At one shelter in Port Sudan, the trade of relief supplies appeared to be an open, undisguised practice. One displaced woman, who chose not to reveal her name, confirmed that she sells aid supplies to women from neighboring neighborhoods, adding that others do the same by selling sugar, flour, and oil in large quantities.
The woman explained: “We sell these supplies to secure money for other needs not covered by the aid.”
Another added: “Sometimes we crave certain foods, like beans or eggs, and we are forced to sell some of the relief materials to afford them.”
Open Markets
Mohamed Fadl, a street vendor in one of Port Sudan’s markets, admitted that the goods he sells are part of the relief supplies. He explained that he buys them from wholesale traders, who appear to play a central role in a complex corruption network.
In a striking statement, Dr. Abdelkader Abdallah, a government official handling humanitarian affairs, acknowledged the leakage of relief supplies into markets. He pointed to three main entities as being responsible: the Humanitarian Aid Commission, the Security and Intelligence Service, and Community Security.
Abdelkader stressed that these entities are obligated to monitor the destination of aid and address any violations. He added: “The presence of this volume of relief supplies in markets confirms the existence of a flaw or collusion.”
A year ago, the Red Sea Military Command seized around 30 trucks loaded with relief materials in markets, despite Finance Minister Dr. Jibril Ibrahims promise to personally oversee their distribution. However, complaints about aid not reaching those in need have continued to mount.
Officials from international aid organizations confirmed, without revealing their identities, that strict anti-corruption laws govern their operations. However, they admitted that corruption in Sudan poses a serious dilemma, pointing to the potential involvement of some local staff or supervisors in displacement camps.
In areas like Al-Jaili and northern rural regions, residents suffer from food scarcity and soaring prices. While relief materials are distributed in nearby areas, they are observed being sold at inflated prices in local markets.
Wasted Millions
Repeated incidents of corruption in humanitarian aid represent a humanitarian and moral catastrophe. Between missing relief trucks and public sales, millions of dollars that could have alleviated the suffering of those in need are being wasted.
In the absence of effective oversight and amid the complicity of certain parties, Sudans humanitarian aid file remains open to major questions regarding corruption and accountability. Will responsible authorities take decisive steps to stop this hemorrhage? Or will the pockets of the corrupt continue to prevail over the needs of the afflicted?
Earlier this month, Reuters reported that the World Food Programme (WFP), in a confidential August 30 report, highlighted various challenges in its Sudan response, including "fraud control issues."
In August, Reuters cited 11 informed sources stating that WFP was investigating two senior officials in Sudan over allegations involving fuel disappearance, fraud, and hiding information from donors about its ability to deliver food aid to civilians amid severe hunger in the country.
Five sources told Reuters that investigators are examining whether WFP staff sought to cover up the suspected role of the Sudanese army in obstructing aid deliveries during the 16-month violent conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Some sources also indicated that WFP is investigating the disappearance of fuel supplies in Sudan and is conducting an urgent review of allegations related to mismanagement of its operations.
In response to Reuters inquiry about the investigation, WFP stated that allegations of staff misconduct regarding operational violations in Sudan are under urgent review by its Inspector General’s office. WFP declined to comment on the nature of the alleged violations or the status of specific employees.
