The price of an AK-47 assault rifle, a widely recognized weapon of warfare, has dramatically dropped by 50% on Sudan's black market in the capital city, Khartoum. It now costs approximately

$830 (£650), down from previous prices.

The reduction in price has been attributed to a surplus of the Russian-designed Kalashnikov rifles, colloquially known as "the Clash," flooding the black market. This influx follows Sudan's descent into civil war in April.

A seasoned arms dealer linked the sharp price decline to the abundance of Kalashnikovs, which are now widely available due to the ongoing clashes between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Khartoum's streets and its neighboring cities, Bahri and Omdurman.

The anonymous dealer, who engages in full-time arms trading, disclosed that most suppliers come from the RSF, with some being retired army officers. The Battle of Bahri, which took place in mid-July and resulted in significant casualties on the government side, contributed to the surplus of weapons.

Previously, the arms trade was reliant on smuggling Kalashnikovs from Libya via the Sahara Desert. The recent surge in availability indicates the lawlessness and instability that has befallen Sudan since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, transforming Libya into an "open arms market."

In the past, smuggled weapons primarily found their way to rebels and militia members involved in conflicts in Sudan and neighboring Chad. However, as the current conflict unfolded, fighters began collecting arms from the battlefields in the greater Khartoum region. These arms were then sold through intermediaries to dealers who identified a new market: Khartoum residents concerned about the war's proximity and the general lawlessness.

Residents, alerted to dealers through word of mouth, place orders and receive AK-47 rifles at their homes. The dealers even offer basic weapon usage demonstrations for those who never anticipated owning a firearm.

Ammunition sales occur separately at Souq Omdurman, the main market in the city.

A 55-year-old father of six purchased an AK-47 due to rising crime and the potential threat of attacks in Khartoum. He expressed fears of ethnic conflict and uncertainty about the future.

As the conflict has led to increased crime rates, a collapse of governance structures, and a surge in criminal activity, pistol demand has skyrocketed. Criminals are emboldened due to the breakdown of government services and an uptick in unemployment. This demand shift has also resulted in lower pistol prices.

While financial constraints persist, many residents are prioritizing their safety, as looting, rape, and general chaos have plagued the city. The acquisition of weapons, especially pistols, has become a way for people to protect themselves amidst the turmoil. Photo by Matze187, Wikimedia commons.