By Hassan Hussain
Internal displacement is one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges today. Around the last five years, conflict -related violence has led to a 49% increase in the number of internal displaced people (IDP). Sudan now has the largest number of internal displaced people worldwide, with approximately 11 million displaced people, according to the Global IDMC 2024 report on internal displacement. Despite compensating most forced displaced populations in the world, internal displaced people receive less significant protection than refugees due to limited commitment, investment and coordination within the humanitarian system.
This blog explores the unique challenges of protecting identifications in Sudan. It highlights the complexity of protecting IDs and illustrates the critical role of local actors in configuration and response to the crisis, and the challenges they face in the current aid climate. The blog requires a more nuanced understanding of intraestato induced internal displacement.
The power struggle leads to mass displacement
Sudan is experienced one of the humanitarian crises of sausages in Africa. Since April 2023, the transition of the country of an authoritarian regime to a fragile democracy has been tarnished by the conflict. The power struggle between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of the Armed Forces of Sudan and General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) of the Paramilitary Fast Support Forces (RSF) has resulted in large-scale violence. The RSF originated as a counterinsurgency force, but since then it has become a dominant paramilitary group. Initially formed from Janjaweed militias, the RSF has become a powerful entity, contributing significantly to the sudan displacement crisis. Jartum and other regions have bones wrapped in conflicts.
The current violence has forced millions to flee their homes, exacerbating an already serious humanitarian situation. Reports indicate that entire communities have uprooted, and many flee to make Tift fields or a shelter in neighboring countries. The rapid deterioration of security conditions has also prevented humanitarian organizations from providing timely assistance.
Security restrictions and increased urbanization pose challenges
The protection of internal displaced in Sudan presents several challenges. Unlike refugees, internal displaced people remain under the jurisdiction of their country of origin. In Sudan, where the State, part of the conflict, access to internal displaced people is restricted for political and military reasons. The government can allow humanitarian aid only in areas under its control, leaving populations in regions controlled by RSF to a large extent without support. Humanitarian organizations must navigate this complex landscape or face an option between complying with government directives or growing expulsion.
Security restrictions also pose significant obstacles. The activities related to protection are often classified as security risks, with the government imposing strict regulations on humanitarian work. In some cases, the authorities require direct supervision of data collection efforts, which limits the ability of organizations to operate effective.
In RSF controlled areas, the absence of clear command structures and security guarantees further complicates help delivery. The “non-go” conflict zones near the areas of active conflict make it almost impossible to reach the most needy. Key transport and logistics centers, such as Pasher and Daein in Darfur, are still particularly difficult to access. Sporadic fighting and changing front lines make it more difficult to establish consistent humanitarian corridors, creating additional risks for both humanitarian workers and for displaced communities.
In Sudan, an additional layer of complexity is increasing urbanization. Many displaced individuals are absorbed by host communities, but continue to face the same vulnerabilities as those of formal displacement environments. They fight with limited access to livelihoods, adequate refuge, education and medical care. This urbanization of displaced communities witnessed challenges for humanitarian responders, since most organizations operating in Sudan have traditionally focused on rural contexts and are less equipped to address the unique needs of accelerated populations.
The essential role of grassroots organizations
Local emergency response teams and community organizations of the indulgence response rooms, a local response form led by youth associated with the 2019 Sudanese uprising, a crucial role in providing help to internal displaced. In Jardtum and other areas, these base groups are often the main suppliers of refuge, food and medical care. In regions such as Gedaref, they collaborate with international actors for the distribution of facilitation help. Its ability to operate in volatile environments and its deep community ties make the issue indispensable to respond to urgent needs.
Coordination between emergency response rooms and international organizations remains a challenge. Many emergency response Romans lack formal registration and the infrastructure required by international donors, which limits their access to funds and support. This raises concerns about the long -term role of these groups in humanitarian efforts. If they are expected to register as national entities, they can face government restrictions, while not doing so could exclude them from future help efforts. In addition, humanitarian associations or favor the largest and most established organizations, which can neglect the smallest initiatives led by the community despite their effectiveness to achieve affected populations.
The recent fund cuts, particularly the USAID, have further tensioned resources, exacerbating the crisis. Political scrutiny and continuous operational entries to hinder humanitarian efforts, leaving millions of vulnerable displaced people. The unpredictability of financing flows forces many local organizations to rely on AD-HOC donations, which makes it difficult to plan and maintain long-term interventions. This financial instability, combined with bureaucratic obstacles, significantly weak the general humanitarian response.
Conclusion
The Sudan displacement crisis highlights the difficulties of protecting identifications in conflict environments. Political interests, security restrictions and coordination challenges create significant barriers for effective humanitarian intervention. Addressing these problems requires a more flexible and inclusive approach, ensuring that local and international actors work together to provide significant protection and assistance to the displaced population of Suran. A greater investment in local humanitarian actors, simplified coordination mechanisms and a sustained international commitment are fundamental to relieve the suffering of internal displaced. Without these measures, millions catch in precarious conditions, with limited access to essential services and protection.
This piece It is part of a series that addresses the conflict, as well as other subjects related to Suran, such as employment, forced displacement, gender, humanitarian needs, migration and political participation.
[To read more on this and everything Middle East, the LSE Middle East Centre Library is now open for browsing and borrowing for LSE students and staff. For more information, please visit the MEC Library page.]
