The Conflict Sensitivity Facility - Sudan

01/10/2026

The brings together research, analysis and policy resources to support more conflict-sensitive aid and decision-making in .

September’s research update examines the Gulf’s role in Sudan’s war, informal social protection and mutual aid, disability inclusion in humanitarian response, conflict surrounding Chinese-backed dam projects, and long-term drought patterns in Darfur.

Together, these publications explore how political institutions and external interests shape conflict, while community networks and barriers within humanitarian systems influence access to support. Research on drought adds a longer-term perspective on environmental conditions affecting communities in Darfur.

Explore the latest Knowledge Hub publications here: https://csf-sudan.org/research-update-no-24/

Open-source analysis on Sudan’s conflict and aid landscape, covering digital food assistance, gum arabic supply chains, SAF–RSF conflict dynamics, and El Fasher.

26/09/2026

’s current war did not emerge in isolation.

A new research paper on the traces how colonial centralism, post-independence governance failures, racialised political mobilisation, environmental pressure and gold revenues have shaped the conditions behind the SAF–RSF conflict.

The paper offers a wider reading of the war, looking not only at the immediate military confrontation, but at the historical and political-economic dynamics that continue to sustain it.

Read the full research paper by Dr Issam Mohammed here:

A research paper analysing Sudan’s SAF-RSF conflict through revenge economics, historical grievance, ethnic mobilisation, governance failure and resource competition.

24/09/2026

In commodity chains, people are always at the centre.

In ’s gum arabic sector, communities and workers connected to production and trade may face looting, extortion, arbitrary detention and threats to their safety as conflict actors compete for control over territory, routes and revenue.

A new policy brief on the looks beyond the product itself to examine the human rights risks linked to Sudan’s gum arabic trade.

Read the full policy brief by Tamer Abd Elkreem & Susanne Jaspars here:

A briefing paper examining how Sudan’s gum arabic trade is linked to the war economy, human rights risks and conflict-sensitive supply chain due diligence.

23/09/2026

Stay connected to CSF’s latest work on Sudan.

Subscribe to receive regular updates on new publications, learning opportunities, events and resources supporting more conflict-sensitive aid and decision-making.

Subscribe here: https://csf-sudan.org/subscribe/

22/09/2026

If conflict is sustained by more than military calculation, peace efforts must also address the incentives that keep escalation going.

A new research paper on the argues that targeted economic pressure and inclusive mediation could help reduce incentives for revenge-driven escalation in Sudan’s SAF–RSF conflict.

The analysis highlights the need to understand not only who is fighting, but what makes continued violence appear politically, economically or emotionally worthwhile to the parties involved.

Read the full research paper by Dr Issam Mohammed here:

A research paper analysing Sudan’s SAF-RSF conflict through revenge economics, historical grievance, ethnic mobilisation, governance failure and resource competition.

14/09/2026

What responsibilities do companies have when the commodities they rely on may be linked to conflict?

’s gum arabic trade raises urgent questions for businesses, traders and States connected to global supply chains. Where commodities from conflict-affected areas are smuggled, re-labelled or absorbed into wider export channels, companies may face serious human rights and conflict-related risks.

A new policy brief written by Tamer Abd Elkreem & Susanne Jaspars for Digitalising Food Assistance. on the calls for stronger traceability, regulatory oversight and conflict-sensitive human rights due diligence.

Read the full policy brief here:

A briefing paper examining how Sudan’s gum arabic trade is linked to the war economy, human rights risks and conflict-sensitive supply chain due diligence.

10/09/2026

Gum arabic is often discussed as one of Sudan’s most important exports. But in a conflict setting, commodities are never just commodities.

Control over land, transport routes and trade networks can become part of the war economy, allowing armed actors and associated groups to generate revenue and influence who can move, trade and survive.

A new policy brief by OHCHR examines gum arabic from as a case study of how natural resources, global supply chains and conflict dynamics intersect.

Read the full policy brief here:

A briefing paper examining how Sudan’s gum arabic trade is linked to the war economy, human rights risks and conflict-sensitive supply chain due diligence.

09/09/2026

The mailout shares regular updates from the , including new research, conflict sensitivity resources, learning opportunities and upcoming events.

Subscribe to stay informed: https://csf-sudan.org/subscribe/

03/09/2026

This series retains the report’s warning that international organisations can undermine local response when they force community initiatives to adopt external structures. It also reflects the report’s concerns about exclusion, gender inequality and unrealistic expectations placed on community organisations.

Read the full CSF-CSRF paper by David Deng and Natalia Chan here: https://csf-sudan.org/knowledgehub/the-humanitarian-system-at-a-turning-point-lessons-from-sudan-and-south-sudan-571.html

27/08/2026

The humanitarian system is being reshaped under pressure. The question is whether that change can lead to something more inclusive, accountable and grounded in the realities of affected communities.

Read the joint CSF–CSRF paper by David Deng and Natalia Chan: https://csf-sudan.org/knowledgehub/the-humanitarian-system-at-a-turning-point-lessons-from-sudan-and-south-sudan-571.html