Humanitarian Protection In Sudan And Diaspora Response #2

The Sudanese diaspora around the world have been following events in Sudan closely, and are trying to get news of families, friends, and loved ones in the country. Although power and water outages are a growing problem for people in Sudan, some mobile phone networks and internet connections are still working in some areas, although intermittent. Sudan’s internet connectivity is now at 44% and a there is effectively a blackout for many (NewArab) according to NetBlocks (NewArab April 2023).

MTN, a leading telecom provider in Sudan, have announced on their Facebook page that their services have been interrupted for all users due to damage to r power lines and the inability to transport fuel for backup generators due to the current clashes (MTN).

The humanitarian crisis in Sudan looks increasingly bleak, as the Sudanese people hunker down to avoid being caught in the crossfire of the warring parties that are fighting, for power and to escape accountability. The international community appears helpless to stop the fighting through diplomatic pressure. The Sudanese in diaspora, for their part, are doing what they can to help and to #KeepEyesOnSudan.

With fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (SAF) entering its third week, more than 500 killed in the past three weeks and thousands more wounded.

Asia Abdelmajid, a renowned Sudanese actress and teacher, was killed by a stray bullet fired during the ongoing crossfire (BBC). But she is only one of the many Sudanese paying with their lives as the ceasefires have not been upheld by either party, at the cost of rising humanitarian needs.

Diaspora Role

The Sudanese diaspora are actively engaged in providing a humanitarian response, mobilising cash and non-cash resources for relief and medical supplies and conducting crisis advocacy and media engagement to raise global awareness of humanitarian needs in the country.

The warring parties have effectively prevented humanitarian operations in the country, including medical assistance and grassroots operations. Hospitals and medical personnel are still being targeted (TheGuardian).

Humanitarian assistance

Sudanese Red Crescent volunteers have remained on the ground, providing psychosocial support and first aid services since the fighting started. And the first shipment of essential medical aid has reached Port Sudan by the ICRC to support Sudanese hospitals and volunteers from the Sudan Red Crescent Society (SRCS) who are providing medical care to people wounded in the fighting.

Qatar Charity has also provided relief aid, which includes more than 28 tonnes of food and ready-made meals, that has now been distributed to hospitals in the Sudanese capital (DohaNews). Kuwait has also launched a humanitarian campaign that is meant to provide aid to Sudan in the form of five planes to help ease the situation (ArabTimes).

Communications

Sudanese diaspora humanitarians, activists and allies have also been busy translating information into and from Arabic for Sudanese and broader audiences to keep them informed about the situation and sharing key messages and safety advice. They have also tried to provide support by purchasing data for friends and families in Sudan, as internet connectivity is increasingly important to support the humanitarian response.

Advocacy

Sudanese diaspora around the world have organised demonstrations on 28 and 29 April to call for an end to the war in Sudan (MENA Solidarity Network). Fundraisers continue to support with the urgent medical and essential needs. Drama artists have created a video campaign “artists against war” that has been shared via social media and direct messaging.