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https://theconversation.com/some-peoples-lives-matter-more-than-others-local-responders-in-sudan-feel-ignored-as-the-world-focuses-on-other-crises-282716>
"In April 2026, Sudan marked three years of civil war – one of the most ignored
humanitarian crises in the world.
This conflict began between two factions that seized power after a coup in
2021: the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the
Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group led by Mohamed Hamdan
“Hemedti” Dagalo.
The actions of these men have thrown Sudan into the worst humanitarian crisis
in the world. It has involved crimes against humanity, genocide, the death of
potentially more than 150,000 people, the forced displacement of more than 15
million civilians and 19 million people facing acute hunger.
In one of the most dangerous places in the world, local leaders are putting
their lives at risk to provide humanitarian assistance within their
communities.
These volunteers have formed Emergency Response Rooms or غرف الطواريء to
coordinate, resource and carry out life-saving assistance. They describe being
motivated by
nafeer – a Sudanese tradition focused on a “deep sense of social
responsibility” and “collective volunteerism”.
This concept is grounded in the idea that one must “lift your bowl to your
neighbour”. Diaspora communities around the world have been funding and
coordinating this work for years.
As one 25-year-old female volunteer told us:
The success of emergency rooms stems from the spirit of volunteerism and the
desire to help others. This motivation keeps people working despite the
challenges they face, like lack of funding, security threats from
authorities and working in active war zone.
However,
nafeer, by its nature, should only last for a limited period. After
three years, these crisis leaders are exhausted, and the international
humanitarian system is not stepping up to support them.
In fact, our recent research shows the system’s own structures are making their
work harder."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
