Diaspora Activism in Sudan’s Revolution

Since the start of Sudan’s third revolution in December 2018, there have been an unprecedented level of activism and engagement by Sudanese in the country and the diaspora. A fire has been lit, and there was no stopping the revolution. Everyone began picturing their version of a new Sudan. Numerous groups emerged unleashing the imaginations of artists, designers, writers, musicians and more – particularly when the mass sit-in in Al Qeyada began on 6 April 2019 outside the headquarters in Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).

I recall asking a friend who went to the sit-in what it was like to be there. She told me she met people from all walks of life whom she would have never met elsewhere, and it was like ‘being at a music festival and going to Hajj’ at the same time. It probably was the only way to describe the joy but also how sacred the site had become for those seeking a civilian government.

There were murmurs and fears of when this will end, but the jubilation and excitement have largely overshadowed these concerns. However, dreams were quickly dashed on 29th day of the holy month of Ramadan, a day before Eid; on 3 June 2019, Sudanese paramilitary forces, mainly composed of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), also known as the Janjaweed militias. According to reports from the Sudanese Doctors Union, Human Rights Watch (HRW) and other organisations, more than 118 people were killed, at least 70 people were raped, over 500 injured and scores arrested or missing.

Despite this devastating setback, the spirits and messages from people has been made clear – they have gone too far into the revolution to go back. And despite the internet blockade and with little information emerging, the diaspora have boosted its activism efforts. People who had never done any political work or know how to use social media are teaching themselves and each other skills to change the tide. But people are directly and indirectly are traumatised by what they have seen or heard. And as it is an ongoing crisis, people are mainly operating in a fire fighting mode.

However, being continuously in an anxious state will be challenging, and there are essential considerations to ensure sustainability and not burnout, which is often the case at times of extended crises. The diaspora is working hard. There is an unprecedented level of solidarity across all the communities. But they also need to be mindful on how to make the most impact, and their efforts can be sustained to a longer time. This is mostly from experiences and based on responders during humanitarian crises, but it is a small step to start the conversation and think about recovery to restart again:

• Consolidate efforts, do not replicate. This is when coordination and regular communications are critical.
• Support existing structures if there are some already set-up, it is a waste of time and resources to ‘recreate the wheel’.
• Do not assume what is needed; ask people you want to assist on what they need, and importantly, focus on the most vulnerable.
• Do not go to the location of the crisis unless you are needed to be physically present; you might end up being a burden rather than help.
• Avoid burnout if efforts are to be sustained, so try and share responsibilities and activities with people. Things can be chaotic as efforts are often ad-hoc; everyone has commitments and responsibilities, so do not assume it will all get dropped.

For those in Sudan directly dealing with trauma is a significant challenge, which requires the engagement of professionals, which is even more challenging with limited resources and access. Thus, it is a long journey to build strength and heal, but what the previous months have shown is the resilience and determination of people in Sudan to achieve what they believe in.

Bashair Ahmed is the Executive Director of Shabaka, a diaspora led social enterprise working towards achieving sustainable development in Africa and Middle East. Concurrently, Bashair is a Doctoral Researcher at the University of Sussex, UK, conducting research on activism among second generation diasporas (children of migrants) from the Horn of Africa, focusing on those who were born or raised abroad and based in London and Washington, DC. Bashair previously worked for various international development and humanitarian organisations focusing on fragile and conflict affected countries conducting research, advocacy and programme management in the areas of human rights, gender equality and protection. 

Shabaka is a start-up social enterprise providing a platform for diaspora collaboration towards development in Africa and the Middle East. Shabaka aims to promote and support diaspora engagement in development for greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems. Shabaka self-sustains their operations by providing consultancy services to corporate, NGO, community and government sectors working to address development and humanitarian challenges.