From the Eye of the Storm: A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating the Sudan Crisis Unmasking Aid Inequalities, Localizing, and Crafting Tailored Response

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Introduction

The Sudan crisis, a deeply rooted and multifaceted issue, presents significant humanitarian, political, and economic ramifications. This article examines the current situation in Sudan and provides valuable hints about the importance of localization, better targeting, and the design of the humanitarian response. Moreover, the article highlights the relevance of the Sudan crisis to the US and the West, proposes recommendations informed by past experiences, and underscores the necessity for a holistic, systems-thinking approach to emergency response and humanitarian aid.

Situation Analysis (April–May 2023)

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has left the country's health system in a state of total collapse. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 60% of health facilities in Khartoum, Sudan's capital, are closed, with only 16% operating as usual. This has devastated the population, with many patients with chronic diseases such as kidney disease, diabetes, and cancer unable to access the health facilities or medicines they need. Additionally, with nutrition programs suspended, 50,000 children are at real risk.

Prior to the crisis, approximately 15.8 million people were food insecure; 3.7 million were internally displaced, totaling 46.7 million. With the present breakdown of the existing supply system between Sudan and other nations and the looting of WFP and other humanitarian actors' storage facilities, the entire country's 46.7 million people have become food insecure, with no aid on the way. Since fighting between opposing military units erupted three weeks ago, the Red Cross has delivered the first aid that any international community has ever sent, offering some unusually positive news in a situation that shows no signs of improving. Around eight tons of medical assistance are available to help approximately fifty million people.

The conflict has also resulted in a lack of access to essential healthcare services, including immunization. WHO estimates that one-quarter of the lives lost so far could have been saved with access to basic hemorrhage control. ("Sudan evacuation live updates: India is in touch with all sides in...") However, due to the violence, paramedics, nurses, and doctors are unable to access injured civilians, and civilians are unable to access services.

Disruptions to essential health services have worsened the situation by forcing the suspension of vector control programs to stop the spread of dengue and malaria. Moreover, the risk of diarrheal diseases is high as the water supply is disrupted, and people are drinking river water to survive. ("WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing, April 26...") WHO also reports that the movement of civilians seeking safety threatens the fragile health system throughout the country.

The conflict has also led to the displacement of many Sudanese people, with an estimated 2.5 million currently displaced within the country and over 700,000 fleeing to neighboring countries. The situation is dire; urgent action is needed to provide access to basic health services, medicines, and essential supplies. The international community must support the Sudanese people and help end the conflict.

Sociopolitical and Economic Dimensions of the Crisis

Political unrest, economic hardship, and humanitarian issues all play a role in Sudan's complex crisis. The political upheaval originated with the removal of former President Omar al-Bashir in April 2019 and the subsequent establishment of a transitional government. However, the country's situation has worsened due to mass protests, violence, and an October 2021 military coup (AP News, 2023). Compounding the crisis, power struggles within the military between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have intensified as various factions vie for control (The Conversation, 2023). Furthermore, Sudan faces an economic crisis characterized by soaring inflation and food shortages. The COVID-19 consequences, the Ukraine-Russian war, corruption, and the lack of an effective government all contributed to the current economic situation.

The protracted conflict in the Darfur region and strained relations between nomads (Arabic tribes) and farmers (African tribes) have aggravated the war and humanitarian crisis, leading to widespread displacement and an influx of refugees to neighboring countries (UNOCHA, 2023; Washington Post, 2023).

Power struggles, regional and ethnic tensions, and resource competition have contributed to the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF has been accused of "gold gripping" in Sudan, and its increasing power within the military has led to divisions and mistrust between factions (The Conversation, 2023).

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were heavily involved in the Darfur genocide, which began in 2003 and lasted several years. The Sudanese government founded the RSF in 2013 to combat rebel groups in Darfur, but it immediately developed a reputation for violent methods and human rights breaches. The RSF is made up of former Janjaweed militants who were responsible for much of the genocide's horrors.

RSF Gold Mining Business

During their operations in Darfur, the RSF has been accused of numerous war crimes, including rape, torture, and extrajudicial killings. They have also been accused of torching villages and massacring residents. Human rights organizations have demanded that the RSF be disbanded and that individuals guilty of atrocities committed during the Darfur genocide be held accountable.

The role of the RSF in the Darfur genocide emphasizes the need for accountability and justice for the conflict's victims. It also highlights the significance of stopping the proliferation of paramilitary groups and militias capable of committing human rights violations. Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been accused of involvement in gold mining activities, including forced labor and displacement of residents. According to some estimates, the RSF controls up to 80% of Sudan's gold mines, mainly exported to the UAE and Russia, with the support of the Russian mercenary group Wagner. Human rights violations and environmental degradation have been related to RSF's engagement in the gold mining business.

According to accounts, the RSF has forcibly relocated local people to make space for gold mining activities, frequently with little compensation or consultation. In the mines, the group has also been accused of using forced labor, including child labor. Mine conditions are often hazardous, with workers lacking sufficient safety equipment and exposed to harmful compounds such as mercury.

Furthermore, the RSF's control over the gold mining sector has allowed them to profit from the trade in conflict minerals and expand their operation beyond Sudan to the Central African Republic. The organization has been accused of smuggling gold out of Sudan and using the proceeds to fund its military operations. This has exacerbated Sudan's protracted conflict as the RSF has taken the country's natural riches for its own gain.

The RSF's involvement in the gold mining sector underlines the need for more industry regulation and control, both locally and globally. It also emphasizes resolving the underlying political and economic concerns fueling the country's strife and spilling into the mining industry in the Central African Republic. The situation in Sudan will improve if genuine reforms are implemented, and the RSF's grip over the gold mines is removed.

Sudan as a Radicalization and Terrorism Hub

The risk of Sudan becoming a hub for radicalization and terrorism is a significant concern for the international community. With ongoing conflict and instability, extremist groups could exploit the chaos to recruit disenfranchised individuals and establish a foothold in the region. Additionally, the humanitarian crisis may exacerbate existing grievances and fuel radicalization, posing a significant security threat regionally and internationally.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan is not limited to the country's borders. The Sudanese government has a history of enlisting fighters from West African Arabic ethnic groups to bolster its armed forces to fight the African ethnic groups' uprising in Darfur in 2003, with reports of recruitment efforts explicitly targeting young men from Chad, Niger, and Mali (Al Jazeera, 2019). This practice has led to accusations of human rights abuses against these fighters, including forced conscription and a lack of proper training or support. In particular, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been accused of recruiting and using these foreign fighters from Chad and West Africa during the 2023 armed conflict against the SAF.

The involvement of West African Arabic tribes, mainly nomads and pastoralists, in the Sudanese conflict emphasizes the region's interconnected political and social difficulties. It also highlights the need for more robust interventions to combat the dangers of radicalization and mercenary recruitment among these communities. Instead of depending exclusively on reactive measures like security-driven measures, efforts should be directed toward promotion and preventative programming. Maintain parity in aid for African-origin settlers and nomadic populations in Sudan and West Africa, recognize the negative power dynamic we may be creating, and commit to doing no harm where we intervene. Also, we should refrain from forcing nomads to settle to access services, which may entail thinking differently about the current service, health, and education approaches, creating job opportunities relevant to nomadic culture and ecosystems, enhancing education, and conserving their cultural heritage. These strategies can lessen the likelihood of armed organizations recruiting and prolonging the cycle of violence in the region. Addressing these fundamental causes is essential to ending the Sudanese crisis and establishing long-term security and peace in West Africa.

Climate change footprints in the Sudan Crisis

Climate change in the region exacerbates the situation by contributing to resource scarcity, which fuels inter-communal tensions and conflicts. Droughts and desertification are affecting the livelihoods of many West African pastoralists, leading to the migration of herders and their livestock in search of grazing land and water. This, in turn, brings them into contact with other communities, creating competition for resources and increasing the likelihood of conflict. The RSF has taken advantage of this situation by offering young men from these affected communities the promise of employment and financial security in exchange for joining their forces to fight in Yemen, Libya, the Central African Republic, and now Sudan (Al Jazeera, 2019). As such, the Sudanese conflict is not isolated in the country and highlights the importance of addressing interconnected regional issues, such as climate change, in efforts to resolve the crisis.

Sudan's future remains precarious, with short-term political instability likely to persist. Economic recovery will prove difficult due to limited international support following the October 2022 military coup and the current conflict in 2023. The humanitarian crisis is expected to deteriorate further as UN officials caution that the situation approaches a breaking point (UNOCHA, 2023). The potential for the problem to escalate into an all-out civil war is still a concerning possibility.

Humanitarian Reaction Inequity

I had long raised concerns about equity in humanitarian aid, citing Ukraine and Sudan as examples. The international response to the crises in Ukraine and Sudan has been notably different. Even though both countries are facing humanitarian crises, Ukraine has received a prompt response and significant financial and political support from Western countries (The New Humanitarian, 2022). On the other hand, the Sudan conflict has received less attention and money owing to Ukraine's geopolitical importance to the West and a perceived lack of strategic interest in Sudan.

As a professional and active participant in the global international humanitarian and development field, I have seen discriminatory donor practices that limit funding to Ukraine (aka restricted funding). We are often perplexed as to how to spend Ukraine's allotted budget. For example, in Ukraine, resources allocated to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs are underutilized because the program's design, as well as its targets and indicators, are irrelevant to the Ukrainian context. The most recent survey shows that 95% of the surveyed Ukrainians are aware of good hygiene practices. The current approach to WASH programs is more suited to low-income countries with limited resources. As a result, I advocated for using Ukraine's water and sanitation budget for infrastructure system interventions and the renovation of latrines in air raid shelters.

The lack of experience and context leads people to rely on replicating solutions without fully understanding them; for example, it resulted in the acceptance of malnutrition indicators in Ukraine. Such indications are utterly detached from grounded reality. It is puzzling that many international experts are surprised by the underperformance of malnutrition indicators in Ukraine. Also, aid workers with no experience with adversity may find it difficult to sympathize with refugees and displaced people. While working in international aid can be self-satisfying (savior syndrome) and give unintended rewards such as social status and travel, genuine altruism is a subject of contention in psychology. Some say that all gestures of generosity are ultimately selfish. On the other hand, giving can start a positive cycle of kindness and happiness, with kind people being happier and happy people being kind.

I would like you to stay tuned for a different piece on the humanitarian crisis in high- and middle-income nations and how our sector should evolve to face new humanitarian challenges beyond the traditional low-resource geography.

Targeting by design

In designing humanitarian response and aid in Sudan, it is essential to target the most vulnerable groups in the community. These groups include women and girls, people experiencing homelessness, especially children and orphans, senior citizens, and those suffering from chronic diseases and mental health issues. Conflict and displacement often disproportionately negatively impact women and girls, increasing the risks of sexual assault, child labor, and forced marriage. The reports show that many unhoused people and children were killed in the fight between the SAF and RSF. Children and orphans in the institutional foster care system, especially those under five, face extreme challenges in accessing necessities such as food, milk, and healthcare. High mortality among children under five and senior citizens is due to a lack of access to water, care, milk, and food. Senior citizens, who cannot flee violence zones or access essential services, are also at risk. Many people with disabilities and mental health issues in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, were killed because they lacked survival skills, caregivers, or access to medicine. They were caught in the crossfire between the SAF and the RSF. One of my observations is that many missing people are children and elders. The missing senior citizens mostly have dementia and Alzheimer's. They face more barriers to accessing information on what is going on, how to move to safer places, the absence of their caregivers, and accessing care. Many senior citizens died in their homes because the caregivers could not reach them or ran out of water, food, and medical supplies.

Many families cannot bury their loved ones because of the current security situation, and approaching them is unsafe. Most of the victims of the fight were neither buried nor recovered by their loved ones. Because of their owners' lack of food or abandonment, dogs eat dead bodies lying around the streets. In such situations, people prioritize food for themselves and their children, and if they are mostly displaced, they must disband their pets. This may look odd to Western and American readers who consider pets family members. There are cultural and real-life differences behind this, which I can discuss in different forums.

Targeting these vulnerable groups is crucial to ensuring that aid and development efforts are effective and equitable. By addressing the specific needs of these groups, aid organizations can work towards an effective response and build a more resilient and inclusive society in Sudan in the medium and long term. This includes providing targeted health care services, improving access to food and safe exit corridors to safer areas, and protecting the rights of women, girls, and vulnerable groups. It is also essential to involve these communities later in designing and implementing aid programs to ensure their needs and perspectives are considered. By prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable, we can help to equitably address urgent needs and later build a more just and sustainable future for Sudan.

The Importance of the Sudan Crisis for the US and the West

The Sudan crisis holds importance for the US and the West for various reasons, including regional security in the Horn of Africa, West Africa, and the Middle East, and the potential for spillover effects as more allies and militants are mobilized by different parties and as refugees and displaced persons cross borders (The New Humanitarian, 2023). Sudan also plays a crucial role in counter-terrorism activities and the fight against extremist groups such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda. The country also has a wealth of natural resources, such as oil and gold, making it a significant economic partner for Western and American businesses: Sudan's strategic location and natural resources along the Nile River present opportunities for economic and geopolitical partnerships. For example, Sudan's war has sent multinational consumer goods manufacturers scrambling to replenish supplies of Arabic gum, for which there are few substitutes. Gum Arabic is one of the country's most valuable products and a critical ingredient in everything from fizzy beverages and medicine to confectionery and cosmetics. Sudan provides about 70% of the world's supply of Arabic gum.

You can read more about this in my earlier article, "Sudan's Power Struggle: A Nation at the Crossroads and Its Impact on Regional Stability."

The Importance of Localization and the Role of the Sudanese Diaspora in Crisis Response

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has increasingly emphasized localization in its humanitarian and development efforts (USAID, 2022). As USAID's Localization Vision outlines, localization refers to transferring decision-making, resources, and capacity to local and national actors to foster more sustainable, effective, and contextually appropriate solutions (USAID, 2022). This approach is crucial in addressing complex crises like the Sudanese emergency. It promotes a more nuanced understanding of the local context and ensures that interventions are tailored to the unique needs and challenges of the affected communities.

The Role of the Sudanese Diaspora in Localization

The Sudanese diaspora can significantly support localization efforts by leveraging their unique skills, knowledge, and connections to bridge the gap between international actors and local communities. They can contribute to crisis response and recovery efforts in numerous ways, including but not limited to:

• Knowledge sharing: Sudanese diaspora members can offer valuable insights into the local context, culture, and politics, helping international actors design more context-specific interventions and navigate the complexities of the crisis.
• Resource mobilization: The diaspora can help mobilize financial, material, and human resources to support crisis response efforts by organizing fundraising campaigns, donating to local organizations, or advocating for increased international support.
• Capacity development: Diaspora members can use their skills and expertise to support local and national institutions, enhance their capacity to respond effectively to crises, and ensure they are better prepared to manage future emergencies.
• Advocacy and awareness-raising: The Sudanese diaspora can leverage their networks and platforms to raise awareness of the crisis, advocate for policy changes, and promote a more equitable global response to emergencies.
• Technical assistance: Sudanese diaspora professionals, such as doctors, engineers, and educators, can provide technical assistance to local organizations and institutions, supporting the development and implementation of effective crisis response strategies.
• Peacebuilding and reconciliation: Diaspora members can facilitate dialogue and promote reconciliation between conflicting parties, using their connections and influence to foster peace and stability in Sudan.
• By actively engaging the Sudanese diaspora in localization efforts, the international community can tap into valuable resources and expertise to develop more context-specific, sustainable, and practical strategies for addressing the Sudanese crisis. In doing so, they can foster a more inclusive and collaborative approach to crisis response that centers on local communities' needs, perspectives, and capacities.

Ultimately, Sudanese people are best suited for understanding and tackling the needs of their society. However, some international organizations may prioritize their interests, such as maximizing their market share of donated dollars, over genuinely helping those in need. I came across an organization's marketing and communication staff boasting about their social media presence and the likes they got during the Sudan crisis while the organization struggled to operate and respond to the crisis. I have always advocated that the non-profit sector should learn from for-profit best practices and bodies of knowledge. However, the blunt commercialization of human suffering is unacceptable and violates fundamental principles of human dignity. I will go into greater detail about this in a subsequent blog.

Recommendations Based on Previous Lessons Learned

The international community must adopt an integrated approach to effectively address the Sudan crisis, considering the interwoven nature of political, economic, and humanitarian challenges. Recommendations are included:

• Secure an immediate and monitored ceasefire and safe humanitarian corridors.
• Protect the Sudanese institutions and reposition the RSF outside the cities in their barracks.
• Stop the influx of foreign fighters who support the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from Western Africa, Central Africa, Chad, and Libya.
• Addressing the humanitarian crisis through a comprehensive approach, prioritizing civilian protection, refugee support, and sustainable solutions for displaced populations (infomigrants, 2023; The Guardian, 2023; UN News, 2023).
• Adopting a holistic and integrated approach that accounts for complex interactions between various factors challenges linear planning assumptions and adopts a systems-thinking mindset.
• Integrated planning: recognize the interrelated and interdependent nature of the different crisis response and recovery stages. This approach acknowledges that efforts in one phase can influence actions in other phases and that response and recovery must be adaptive and flexible to meet changing needs.
• Systems thinking: Use a systems-thinking approach to understand the contributing systems to the crisis and the strategies to address emerging problems. Systems thinking allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the crisis and can lead to more effective and targeted interventions.
• Inclusivity: Ensure the involvement of affected communities in planning and decision-making processes. This strategy encourages a more inclusive response by considering the needs and viewpoints of those most directly affected by the crisis.
• Comprehensive humanitarian response: prioritize civilian protection, refugee support, and sustainable solutions for displaced populations. This approach encompasses immediate relief efforts, long-term recovery, and resilience building.
• Conflict prevention and peacebuilding: Invest in efforts to address the root causes of conflicts, including social, economic, and political drivers. This includes supporting initiatives that promote dialogue, reconciliation, and community resilience.
• Capacity development: strengthen the capacity of local and national institutions to respond effectively to crises, ensuring that they are better prepared to manage future emergencies.
• Monitoring and evaluation: regularly assess the impact and effectiveness of crisis response and recovery efforts, adjusting as needed to ensure resources are used efficiently, and the needs of affected communities are met in a comprehensive and long-term manner.
• Regional and international cooperation: Encourage collaboration between countries, organizations, and stakeholders to prevent further escalation of the conflict and promote long-term stability in the affected region.
• Diplomacy and political support: Engage in diplomatic efforts to facilitate peaceful transitions to civilian rule and promote inclusive, democratic governance.
• Economic support: Provide financial aid and technical assistance to address the economic crisis, focusing on building resilience and promoting sustainable development.
• Engaging in diplomacy and political support for peaceful disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, and transition to civilian rule and promoting inclusive, democratic governance
• applying systems thinking and integrated planning to recognize the complex interactions between several factors contributing to the crisis, ensuring adaptive and flexible responses.
• Encourage regional and international cooperation to prevent further escalation of the conflict and promote long-term stability in Sudan and the surrounding region.

By implementing these recommendations, the international community can work collaboratively to address complex crises and foster sustainable peace and development in Sudan and the affected African regions.

Conclusion

The Sudan crisis necessitates a comprehensive and inclusive approach that acknowledges the interrelated and interdependent nature of political, economic, and humanitarian challenges. The international community must prioritize diplomacy, economic support, and humanitarian aid while adopting a systems-thinking mindset to address Sudan's complex challenges effectively. Addressing the root causes of the conflict, responding to immediate humanitarian needs, and supporting long-term recovery efforts are crucial to stabilizing the region and promoting a more equitable global response to crises. By learning from past experiences and implementing targeted integrated strategies, the international community can work collaboratively to mitigate the impact of the crisis and foster sustainable peace and development in Sudan and the broader region.

References

Al Jazeera. (2019). 'They recruited me to kill my own people': New report details claims of Sudanese mercenaries in Yemen. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/4/4/they-recruited-me-to-kill-my-own-people-sudanese-mercenaries-in-yemen

AP News. (2023). Sudan conflict: Nile, Africa, Russia. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/sudan-conflict-nile-africa-russia-03adebaff0c95992c6f90543dcb2c894

Infomigrants. (2023). Sudan crisis: We grabbed our daughter, a bag, and ran. Retrieved from https://www.infomigrants.net/en/post/48584/sudan-crisis-we-grabbed-our-daughter-a-bag-and-ran

Reuters. (2021). Sudan coup casts cloud over hope for democratic transition. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/sudan-coup-casts-cloud-over-hope-democratic-transition-2021-10-25/

The Conversation. (2023). Sudan crisis explained: What's behind the latest fighting and how it fits nation's troubled past. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/sudan-crisis-explained-whats-behind-the-latest-fighting-and-how-it-fits-nations-troubled-past-203985

The Guardian. (2023). Sudan unrest: Evacuations intensify as US warns of humanitarian crisis. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/24/sudan-unrest-evacuations-intensify-as-us-warns-of-humanitarian-crisis

The New Humanitarian. (2022). Ukraine aid: Russia invasion, funding, donors. Retrieved from https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/news-feature/2022/07/07/Ukraine-aid-Russia-invasion-funding-donors

The New Humanitarian. (2023). Borders, aid, Sudan conflict: Civilians escape. Retrieved from https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/news/2023/05/01/borders-aid-sudan-conflict-civilians-escape

UN News. (2023). Sudan: Top UN officials condemn deadly attacks on civilians. Retrieved from https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/05/1136222

UNOCHA. (2023). UN relief chief: Humanitarian crisis in Sudan reaching breaking point. Retrieved from https://www.unocha.org/story/un-relief-chief-humanitarian-crisis-sudan-reaching-breaking-point

Washington Post. (2023). Sudan refugee crisis: Conflict, Khartoum. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/05/02/sudan-refugee-crisis-conflict-khartoum/