Conflict-Sensitive Social Protection: Sudan Country Report

Abstract

This is one of three country case studies (the others being of Kenya and Somalia) that explore the interaction between social protection and conflict in the Horn of Africa. It summarises the principal elements of social protection in Sudan, with a particular focus on social safety nets and humanitarian social assistance, and discusses these from a conflict-sensitivity perspective. Interest in conflict sensitivity has grown, particularly since the 2021 coup, and social assistance programmes do demonstrate some awareness of conflict risks and dynamics. However, conflict-sensitive approaches are not yet being applied in any sustained or comprehensive way. Efforts to strengthen conflict-sensitive practice should ensure a dominant role for Sudanese actors given the depth and nuance of local understanding required.