Sudan’s Humanitarian Crisis: Mutual Aid and International Action

In the face of ongoing brutal violence and atrocities, Sudan now teeters on the brink of a full-blown humanitarian catastrophe. The conflict is already recognised as one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

Despite the escalating humanitarian crises, hopes for an imminent resolution to the war reportedly remain slim. The ongoing violence has drastically limited humanitarian access, with international aid efforts being hampered by ongoing fighting and blockades, leaving millions of civilians, particularly women and children, in desperate need. In response, local initiatives like the Emergency Response Room (ERR) have emerged as a critical lifeline, filling the gap left by international organizations.

Youth-led volunteer networks have established Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs) across the country, building on the national culture of nafeer, or mutual aid. The ERRs offer shelter to displaced people, support hospitals, and ensure access to food and water. ERR members have shown remarkable courage and compassion, risking their own safety to assist those in need. Their efforts have been crucial in delivering food, water, shelter, and medical care, alleviating the spread of famine, disease, and suffering amidst the crisis.

In this episode, we explore the current humanitarian situation in Sudan, focusing on the crucial role played by grassroots initiatives like the ERR, why their efforts must be complemented by coordinated international action, and how this can be done. We discussed how the international community can better support these local response mechanisms to ensure aid reaches those most in need.

Speakers Bio:

Francesco Bonanome

Francesco Bonanome has served with OCHA Sudan since November 2020, focusing on field and strategic coordination, while supporting sub-offices in South Kordofan, Blue Nile, and Darfur. Between 2022 and 2023, he had the privilege of working as the Special Assistant to the Humanitarian Coordinator, a role he held until the evacuation following the conflict escalation in April 2023. Since July 2023, he has taken on the role of OCHA’s focal point on Localization, with a strong focus on fostering collaboration with Mutual Aid Groups, including the Emergency Response Rooms.

My humanitarian journey began in Tanzania, where he worked as a Project Assistant for an Italian NGO, implementing a community health initiative to combat malnutrition and stunting in rural areas. In 2017, he relocated to Khartoum, joining the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) as a Programme Officer, and later as a Humanitarian Coordinator. In early 2020, he returned to Tanzania to manage a decentralized health project to support HIV+ patients in Northern regions.

He has two master’s degrees: one in International Cooperation from the University of Siena, Italy, and another in African Studies from Dalarna University in Sweden. Additionally, He earned a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from Bologna University, Italy.

Alsanosi Adam:

Alsanosi Adam is the operational strategy lead at the Cash Counsurtim of Sudan and the External Communication Coordinator for the Localization Coordination Council.

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