Islands in the storm: civilian survival deals with the warring parties in Sudan

This paper examines how Sudanese civilians, facing widespread violence from the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF), have been compelled to negotiate survival strategies with warring factions. This report highlights the shift in Sudan’s power struggle, which has devolved from a national conflict into highly localized battles, particularly in Darfur. In response, local community leaders and power brokers have facilitated fragile truces to provide temporary protections, allow for trade, and secure safe passage for civilians.

The paper argues that while these localized "islands of stability" offer essential relief, they are vulnerable to higher-level military decisions and factional shifts, posing significant risks for civilians involved. It advocates for an international shift from a primarily national ceasefire focus to support community-based negotiation mechanisms. This approach, though challenging, may provide immediate civilian protection and foster incremental peacebuilding opportunities amid Sudan's fractured conflict landscape.