Sudan Faces 40% Economic Contraction Amid Widespread Institutional Collapse and Brain Drain

Port Sudan – Sudan is grappling with a profound crisis marked by extensive institutional collapse, a significant exodus of professionals, and severe economic decline, as the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues. The current situation in cities like Port Sudan, now the de facto administrative capital, exemplifies the broader national deterioration, facing persistent attacks and a breakdown of essential services. The ongoing power struggle has fragmented governance and crippled the nation's infrastructure, leading to a dire humanitarian situation across the country. The conflict has triggered a near-total breakdown of state institutions, with government ministries, judicial bodies, and civil administration ceasing to function in many areas. This institutional vacuum has been exacerbated by a significant "brain drain," as thousands of professionals, including doctors, engineers, academics, and civil servants, have fled the country seeking safety and stability abroad. The education system has also been severely impacted, with schools closed and universities disrupted, threatening the future prospects of an entire generation. Economically, Sudan is in ruins, experiencing an estimated 40% contraction in 2023, alongside an 80% plummet in state revenues. Agricultural production, a vital sector, has been severely disrupted, leading to widespread food shortages and contributing to a looming famine, particularly in regions like North Darfur. The lack of a clear economic vision from either warring faction further compounds the nation's economic isolation and prevents any meaningful recovery. Political fragmentation has deepened, with both the SAF, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), vying for control. The RSF recently announced a parallel "Government of Peace and Unity," a move rejected by the UN Security Council, while the SAF has also appointed its own Prime Minister. This dual claim to authority underscores the profound political instability and lack of a unified, legitimate government. Concerns persist regarding the influence of elements from the former Islamist regime of Omar al-Bashir within the SAF. Reports indicate a deliberate strategy by General al-Burhan to reinstate purged officials and mobilize Islamist militias, such as the Al-Baraa Ibn Malik Brigade, to bolster the army's ranks. This re-emergence of "same networks, same rhetoric" (as stated in the tweet) complicates peace efforts and raises fears of a return to authoritarian rule. Public services continue to deteriorate rapidly, with healthcare facilities largely non-operational and outbreaks of diseases like cholera becoming prevalent. International aid, crucial for millions facing acute hunger and displacement, is frequently obstructed and politicized by both warring parties. Aid convoys have been attacked, and access to vulnerable populations remains severely limited, further worsening the humanitarian catastrophe. The tweet by Sara Al-Hosani succinctly captures the systemic issues: > "Every state that falls under the control of an ideologically driven religious movement ends up following the same pattern: brain drain, institutional collapse, economic isolation, and political fragmentation. Port Sudan is an example. The remnants of the Islamist regime that once ruled Khartoum have simply relocated.. same generals, same networks, same rhetoric. There is no functional governance, no economic vision, no legitimate political roadmap, only a recycled narrative of victimhood and external blame. Public services are deteriorating. International aid is being politicized. And instead of building a state, the focus is on preserving power through militarization and ideological control. The result? A failed authority clinging to relevance while the country falls deeper into crisis." The dire situation reflects a "failed authority clinging to relevance," as the country descends deeper into crisis, with no immediate political solution in sight.