Sudan: Resilience Amid Crisis

Since the outbreak of conflict between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on April 15, 2023,?the conflict in Sudan placed almost 25 million Sudanese in desperate need of humanitarian assistance and forcibly displaced 8.2 million people. Over 14,700 people have died in the violence and about 30,000 have been injured as the current levels of violence taking place throughout the country are emblematic to that of the 2003 genocide in Darfur. The expanding violence throughout the country has also disrupted Sudan's food supply. Currently, about ?one-third of the country’s population requires immediate food assistance.?These intersecting crises come as Sudan continues to grapple with high levels of fragility as the world’s 7th most fragile country according to the #FFP 2023?#FragileStatesIndex.?

Civilians, and particularly women and youth, once again remain at the forefront of combating the fallout from the ongoing conflict. Despite significant levels of violence and displacement, leaders have emerged to distribute basic humanitarian services and medical supplies, continue development projects, and advocate for peace. This has occurred even as international humanitarian organizations remain largely prevented by warring parties from distributing aid in the country. ?? ? ?

A?greater spotlight must be put on the successes and resilience of Sudan’s civilians. Their ability to fill the void left by international agencies?demonstrates that international aid and other international engagement will always remain most effective in the hands of the civilians on the frontlines of sustainable peace and development. Sudanese civilians continue to demonstrate their capabilities for fostering progress and peaceful change. Greater investment and focus on existing areas of resilience is vital for sustaining civilian progress towards peace and development in Sudan. Therefore, international organizations should: ? ? ??

• Support civilians and civilian networks on the frontlines of coordinating and distributing humanitarian services. This can be done by establishing accessible?funding structures and resources that lift established bureaucratic barriers, so?funding is easily accessible for civilian networks. ?? ??
• Ensure funding is flexible. Funding should not be earmarked for only humanitarian aid, yet it should remain adaptable for development and local peacebuilding as all must take place simultaneously for long term stability. ?? ? ?
• Fund projects with a multiplier effect that not only meets immediate needs, but also fosters social cohesion (particularly between host communities and displaced persons) and improves long-term climate resilience. ?? ? ?
• Build civilian capabilities through training sessions on accessing funding, coordinating aid, natural resource management, peacebuilding, and international advocacy. ?? ? ?
• Amplify civilian efforts, their resilience, and success stories to demonstrate that peace and security in Sudan is possible.?