In late April 2023, violent conflict broke out in Sudan. According to the UN, since then, more than 700 people have been killed, over 5,000 injured, and the already precarious humanitarian situation has worsened. A temporary ceasefire was agreed this week to restore essential services and deliver humanitarian assistance, but continued fighting has been reported.

Latest figures show 1 million people have been displaced either within the country or have left for neighbouring countries this year, including Chad, South Sudan, and Ethiopia. The inflow of people fleeing violence will strain the stretched humanitarian supply in these countries even further.

Sudan was already one of the poorest countries in the world and this conflict has inflicted a heavy toll on its people. Those who have fled their homes are often arriving without shelter; many neighbourhoods are lacking access to food, water, and fuel; schools have closed, and hospitals are not functional. There has been a surge in reported cases of sexual violence, particularly among displaced people who are on the move searching for shelter and safety. The UN estimates $2.6bn is needed to provide urgent aid for the 25 million people, half the population, in need of humanitarian assistance.

When faced with a crisis such as the conflict in Sudan, it can be difficult for donors to know the best way to help. Sudan is a heavily sanctioned country which is classed as high-risk for donations. Transfers into such high-risk areas are also subject to anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism rules, making it challenging for donors to direct aid to where it is needed most whilst meeting legal obligations.

Despite the power of localised giving, it is not always easy for local partners on the ground to react quickly and deliver emergency aid. It can take time to conduct the appropriate due diligence required to meet legal obligations particularly for overseas donations, which is not a viable option in an evolving crisis. Donors may see a trade-off between responding at speed and directing aid to the local as much as possible.

Long-term funding is critical for supporting people affected by emergencies like the war in Sudan and is often under-funded. Areas like Sudan do not just need aid in the wake of the crisis, but investment over time.

The Centre for Disaster Philanthropy reports that over half of all philanthropic funding in 2019 went towards response and relief activities, with only 17% spent on preparedness, 6% on recovery and 4% on resilience, risk reduction and mitigation. But in Sudan, and elsewhere, the need for aid will not subside after a few months, and it is important funders think carefully about the long-term work of rehabilitation and restoration that promote long-term resilience.

Read the full article about giving to Sudan by Ashling Cashmore at Charities Aid Foundation.