Why Do People Flee Sudan?

The next in our ‘Why People Flee’ series explores a country that has been war-torn for nearly a year, but may have escaped the notice of our news cycles in recent months. Manuela — Upbeat placement student — explores the reasons why refugees are continually being forced to leave Sudan.

Since Sudan’s second Civil War, the country has been facing internal conflicts for the last 40 years. There are different consequences that have been affecting people living in Sudan and their decision to flee the country.

In April 2023, fighting erupted between two opposite armed forces, caused by South Sudanese politicians Kiir and Machar going through an ongoing political conflict between them that was tried to be solved through cease-fire agreements. However, the compromises were broken multiple times as violent attacks were still taking place. 

Those still in Sudan continue to endure immense suffering. This week, reports emerged of the famine and sexual violence faced by civilians.

The food crisis in Sudan has been stated to be among the worst in the world. Agriculture provides a livelihood to about two-thirds of the active Sudanese population, but constant violent events have made it difficult for farmers to plant and harvest, causing severe food shortages.

As there are limited items and the supply routes are not safe, the prices of food have been increasing significantly, making it even harder for those in Sudan to buy food for themselves and their families. Humanitarian aid continues to struggle to provide help in certain areas that are under catastrophic conditions.

Many camps that were set to assist people have been burned down and hit by bullets, making the area too dangerous to operate.

Some people have tried to leave the violent areas but transport prices have raised so much that many are not able to afford it, resulting in them being forced to stay in those areas.

Meanwhile, healthcare clinics and hospitals have been attacked. Some of these buildings and equipment are being used by armed forces and multiple health workers have been violently attacked. These attacks have been also affecting maternity hospitals. This has left millions of pregnant women stranded without essential assistance.

This bleak picture is the reason why so many Sudanese people find themselves with no choice but to leave, taking refuge in neighbouring countries, or else making the long and dangerous journey to Europe.

Upbeat regularly supports individuals and families representing as many as 57 different nations. In the past year, Sudan represented the second highest nationality attending our activities.

From English classes to women’s support groups, community meals and creative therapy sessions, we have been able to support refugees and asylum seekers from Sudan to find community, learn essential language and skills to navigate life in the UK, and be empowered to rebuild their lives here — healing from the trauma they have faced along the way.

The conflict in Sudan shows no sign of stopping, and our hearts break for those still in the country. Still, we do what we can to bring hope to those who have found themselves in the UK. We continue to call on powerful countries like ours to offer compassion, belonging and safety in response to those who have been able to escape.

You could help us support our friends from Sudan, and many other nations around the world, by making a one-off donation today.