Sudan Displacement: 5 Powerful Ways Trust Becomes Survival Capital

The Sudan displacement crisis, triggered by the outbreak of war in April 2023, has become one of the largest humanitarian emergencies in the world. Over 10 million people have been forcibly displaced — 6 million within Sudan and 4 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries like Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt.

Amid the chaos, a remarkable social phenomenon is emerging: trust is becoming a vital form of economic capital. In the absence of formal institutions, cash, or state support, displaced communities are relying on social bonds, hospitality, and mutual aid to survive. This informal economy of trust is not just sustaining lives — it’s rebuilding dignity.

For in-depth analysis on the human and social dimensions of the Sudan crisis, visit African Arguments – Critical Perspectives on Africa.

The Human Cost of Sudan’s War

From Homes to Camps: A Nation on the Move

The Sudan displacement wave began with the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which escalated into a nationwide war. Entire neighborhoods in Khartoum, Darfur, and Kordofan were destroyed, forcing millions to flee with little more than the clothes on their backs.

According to a 2025 report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) (*source here*), 80% of displaced families have lost their primary breadwinner, and over half live in makeshift shelters without access to clean water or healthcare.

On our Sudan crisis analysis hub, we explore how grassroots networks are filling the gap left by failing institutions and underfunded aid.

The Collapse of Formal Economies

The Sudan displacement crisis has shattered the country’s formal economy. Banks are closed, salaries are unpaid, and inflation has soared to over 400%. In this vacuum, new forms of exchange have emerged — not based on money, but on trust.

In displacement camps, people trade skills, food, and shelter through informal agreements. A teacher might tutor children in exchange for a meal; a tailor might repair clothes for a promise of future help.

“We don’t use cash — we use promises,” said a displaced woman in White Nile state. “And so far, no one has broken their word.”

5 Powerful Ways Trust Becomes Survival Capital

Way #1: The Culture of “Be My Guest”

The Sudan displacement response is rooted in the cultural principle of *“Be My Guest”* — a deeply held value of hospitality and generosity. Families who have lost everything still open their homes to strangers, sharing food, water, and space.

In Gedaref and Kassala, host communities have absorbed tens of thousands of displaced people, often at great personal cost. This act of solidarity is not charity — it’s a social contract based on mutual respect and long-term reciprocity.

“When I was displaced during the Darfur war, someone took me in,” said a farmer in Gedaref. “Now it’s my turn to pay it forward.”

Way #2: Community Savings and Rotating Funds

In the absence of banks, displaced communities have revived traditional rotating savings groups, known locally as *“iddirs”* or *“sanduqs.”* Members contribute small amounts weekly, and each person takes turns receiving the pooled funds.

These groups are based entirely on trust. There are no contracts, no interest, and no enforcement — just social pressure and reputation. Defaulting on a contribution brings shame, not legal consequences.

“This money helps us buy medicine, start small businesses, or pay for transport,” said a group leader in Khartoum North. “It’s our bank — and our safety net.”

Way #3: Informal Labor and Skill Exchange

The Sudan displacement economy is driven by informal labor. Barbers, cooks, teachers, and mechanics offer their services in exchange for food, shelter, or future favors.

In refugee camps in Chad, Sudanese women have set up communal kitchens, rotating shifts to feed hundreds daily. In return, others help with childcare, laundry, or firewood collection.

“We don’t have jobs — we have roles,” said a community organizer in Adré. “Everyone contributes, and everyone eats.”

Way #4: Women-Led Solidarity Networks

Women are at the heart of the Sudan displacement resilience movement. In many camps, women have formed self-help groups that distribute aid, mediate disputes, and provide psychological support.

These networks operate on deep trust and shared experience. They are often more effective than formal NGOs because they understand local dynamics and speak the same language — literally and culturally.

“Men are often focused on survival,” said a women’s leader in Nyala. “We focus on dignity, community, and the future.”

Way #5: Digital Trust and Mobile Networks

Even in war zones, mobile networks remain active. Displaced people use WhatsApp, Facebook, and Telegram to share information, coordinate aid, and verify identities.

In one case, a network of displaced professionals in Cairo used a WhatsApp group to crowdfund medical treatment for a child with leukemia — raising $3,000 in 48 hours from 120 donors they had never met.

“We don’t need banks — we need connections,” said a volunteer. “And our phones are bridges.”

The Role of Research and Documentation

Sudanese Researchers, Displaced Voices

The Sudan displacement narrative is being shaped by Sudanese researchers themselves — many of whom are displaced. Through the *Sudan War series* by African Arguments, they are documenting the crisis not as victims, but as analysts and change-makers.

Their work challenges the dominant humanitarian narrative that portrays displaced people as passive recipients of aid. Instead, they highlight agency, innovation, and resistance.

“We are not just suffering — we are thinking, organizing, and leading,” said Dr. Amal Elsheikh, a contributor to the series.

A New Model for Humanitarian Scholarship

The collaboration between CEDEJ-K, SNAC, and African Arguments represents a new model: research led by affected communities, published in accessible formats, and shared globally.

This approach ensures that the knowledge produced is not extractive, but empowering. It also holds humanitarian actors accountable to the people they claim to serve.

“Academia must stop speaking *about* us and start speaking *with* us,” said a young researcher from Darfur.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Scaling Trust Without Exploitation

While the Sudan displacement trust economy is powerful, it has limits. Host communities are stretched thin, and solidarity cannot replace systemic support.

There is a risk of burnout, inequality, and exploitation — especially when external actors try to “scale” these models without understanding their cultural roots.

“Trust is not a resource to be mined,” warned a community leader. “It’s a relationship to be honored.”

Towards Formal Recognition and Support

Humanitarian agencies and governments must recognize the value of social capital in Sudan displacement. Instead of imposing top-down solutions, they should support existing networks with funding, training, and protection.

Microgrants, not just food aid, could empower community savings groups. Legal recognition could protect host families from eviction.

“We don’t need saviors — we need partners,” said a displaced academic. “And we’re ready to lead.”

Images and Alt Text Optimized

Image 1: Displaced family receiving food from a community kitchen in a Sudanese camp

Keywords for image: Sudan displacement, Sudan war crisis, community kitchen Sudan, trust as economic capital, displaced families Sudan

Image 2: Women meeting in a circle to discuss aid distribution in a refugee camp

Keywords for image: Sudan displacement, women-led networks, Sudan conflict 2025, social capital Sudan, African Arguments Sudan

Source of the article: https://africanarguments.org