Peacebuilding and Trauma Healing in Sudan
How We Work at the Grassroots Level
We work directly with families and communities in rural and conflict-affected areas. Our approach combines trauma healing, community dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution
Families Affected by Armed-Group Affiliation
The war in Sudan has caused death, displacement, fear and deep emotional pain. It has also divided families and created mistrust between communities. In many communities, someone’s mother, sister, wife, daughter, aunt or another relative has experienced rape or other forms of sexual violence during the conflict. These crimes have caused deep pain, anger and trauma for survivors, their families and the wider community.
This pain has created hatred towards families and communities believed to be connected to the perpetrators. Sometimes people are blamed because a relative connected or is believed to be connected to the RSF, SAF or another armed group. Fear, rumors and ethnic divisions has turn the Sudan conflict from the battlefield into homes, villages and relationships between neighbors and communities.
The Crisis Within Our Communities
People may be judged because of their ethnicity, place of origin, family name or assumed connection to the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Rapid Support Forces or another armed group.
Some families have become divided because a father, son, brother or another relative is connected or believed to be connected to an armed group. Other relatives may face suspicion, rejection or threats even when they have not participated in the conflict.
Fear, rumours and hate speech can turn neighbours against one another. Existing disagreements about land, livestock, water, tribal identity and family matters can also become more dangerous during war.
A Safe and Survivor-Centred Approach
1. We Listen privately and respectfully to survivors and affected families.
2. Connect survivors with available medical, psychological, legal and protection services.
3. Meet families or groups separately when bringing them together would be unsafe.
4. Help people understand how trauma can create anger, mistrust and a desire for revenge.
5. Challenge rumours, hate speech and the blaming of entire families or ethnic groups.
6. Work with women, elders, young people, religious leaders and other trusted community members.
7. Create safe discussions about peace, healing and peaceful coexistence.
8. Help communities prevent revenge attacks and further violence.
9. Support local peace committees and community mediators.
10. Follow up with communities after dialogue or mediation.
Peace, Justice and Accountability
Peacebuilding does not replace justice. Serious allegations, including killings, sexual violence, forced displacement and attacks against civilians, should be properly investigated.
Accountability protects people’s rights. Trauma healing helps survivors recover. Peacebuilding helps communities prevent further harm and rebuild relationships.
Justice, healing and reconciliation must work together to create lasting peace.