The Jebel Marra mountains in Sudan present a striking contradiction: while civil war wreaks havoc across the country, this region thrives with fertile soil producing valuable crops. Women venture out each day, tending to fields that yield oranges, peanuts, and strawberries. Once celebrated for their quality, Sudan's organic oranges have become emblematic of a deeper struggle.
As the rest of Sudan faces one of the worst hunger crises in history, with nearly half the population experiencing severe food shortages, Jebel Marra's challenge lies in getting food to market rather than growing it. We almost sell them for free and sometimes get rid of them on the way, because they get rotten, shares Hafiz Ali, an orange vendor in Golo town, emphasizing the dilemma faced by local farmers due to insecurity and deteriorating infrastructure.
The Sudan Liberation Army - Abdulwahid (SLA-AW) retains control here, strategically remaining neutral and allowing some semblance of normalcy amid chaos. Yet, this isolation fortifies their struggle against dominant forces, blocking roads and sieging markets, rendering local produce inaccessible to urban markets.
While makeshift trade occurs in areas like Tawila, with prices plummeting due to oversupply, real opportunities remain elusive as dangers loom every step of the way. Checkpoints proliferate, often manned by armed groups demanding fees, making transport perilous.
The plight of Jebel Marra exemplifies the broader human tragedy of war. Despite the lush surroundings, civilians cope as refugees flood in, often to camps devoid of adequate support. With food rotting by the wayside, the poignant plea of vendors echoes: We're not part of the war - we just want to sell our oranges. This stark reality paints a picture of resilience fighting against the destructive force of conflict.
