Local Lifelines project: Enhancing Information Sharing and Inclusion in Sudan - January 2025
A. Introduction
Since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan in April 2023, the civil society space has changed dramatically, both in terms of a decline in the presence of formally registered national NGOs – who typically have been heavily reliant on international funding and therefore less resilient to the reducing availability of resources, and through the central role that hyper-local mutual aid groups – in particular Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs) – have increasingly played in delivering assistance to crisis-affected communities. Alongside this, diaspora networks have also played a critical role in mobilising resources, mounting humanitarian initiatives and global advocacy campaigns and circulating information with communities in Sudan since the start of the current crisis.
However, despite the diverse character of Sudanese civil society, engagement with the international humanitarian system has been limited.
This brief presents recommendation for developing systematic approaches to information sharing within Sudan's humanitarian response. These recommendations are derived from consultations with a wide range of actors, including a network of information liaisons from local mutual aid groups from different geographical areas, and a workshop in Kampala with ERR representatives and local NGOs. The focus is on codesigning and testing strategies that address identified barriers and enhance collaboration between local and international partners.
