In Sudan, the same grassroots networks that organized protests to topple a dictator are now providing a lifeline during civil war. These neighborhood committees, originally formed as underground cells during the 2013 anti-austerity protests, evolved to spearhead the mass demonstrations that overthrew Omar al-Bashir in 2019. Their unique strength lies in a “political togetherness” that bridges class and ethnic divides. Following the outbreak of war in 2023, these adaptable structures transformed into Emergency Response Rooms, delivering critical healthcare, food, and water where international aid often cannot reach. This demonstrates the remarkable resilience of informal, youth-led networks in filling the void left by state failure. Their adaptability highlights the potential of decentralized civic initiatives to sustain communities and shape post-conflict governance, even amid challenges of fragmentation and limited institutional support.
The Conversation
