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  • 22 hours ago
Cautious trading resumes in Sudan's war-ravaged capital Khartoum
Transcript
00:00In central Khartoum and neighboring Omdurman, traders are reopening shops and customers are slowly returning.
00:16They say it offers some hope that the heavy fighting that once gripped the capital and forced millions to flee is a thing of the past.
00:24Our market is starting to recover and this is a positive development. We have now emerged from a very dangerous phase. Our goods were stolen during the war, but now we have started to return and open our shops.
00:41Others say the revival of trade has brought a sense of normalcy.
00:45Market activity has returned strongly, especially in Omdurman. These areas have witnessed a revival. As if Omdurman has returned to its pre-war state, there is a smooth flow of services, merchants and goods.
01:02Industry is also showing signs of life. At a flour mill in the Khari industrial area, operations have resumed after more than two years of disruption.
01:13Resumed operations, completed maintenance and restarted production. These mills are producing 1,200 tons per day and employ over 500 workers. This is a promising sign for food production and food security.
01:31But economists caution that these improvements come against a backdrop of massive losses and many businesses will need huge support to get back on their feet.
01:44Reconstruction requires substantial funds because the destruction of infrastructure and factories was extensive. The industrial sector lost around 75 to 80 percent of its capacity and the electricity, banking, education and health sectors were also severely affected. Estimates of war losses are not less than 200 billion dollars.
02:08Analysts say while markets and some services are returning, the weakened currency, damaged infrastructure and disruption to the banking system continue to weigh heavily on Sudan's broader economic recovery.
02:25Meanwhile, fears fighting continues in many other parts of the country as the army and the paramilitary rapid support forces continue their struggle for power and territory.
02:36Millions of desperate people await a resolution and peace so they can join their compatriots in Khartoum in returning to their former lives.
02:46to their former lives.
02:47to their former lives.
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