Christianity occupies an integral part of South Sudanese journeys through wars and displacement. This article explores the role of Christian faith communities in providing protection during South Sudanese displacement. As an epicentre for displaced South Sudanese in the region, this research focuses on the displaced South Sudanese at camps and camp-like settlements in Khartoum, Sudan. In these camps there is a lack of access to basic services due to the displaced South Sudanese's compromised position as refugees and foreigners. The article builds on previous scholarship on the role of Christian communities as peace brokers, community leaders and spiritual mentors in South Sudan and the borderlands. It argues that through self and community—protection strategies, including advocacy and mobilisation of displaced South Sudanese and collaborations with other protection actors, Christian faith communities leverage their position as ‘displaced believers’ to provide vulnerable South Sudanese in Khartoum with a sense of community, dignity and protection.
Policy Implications
- With the large-scale eruption of armed conflict in Khartoum in April 2023, humanitarians and governments need to be cognisant of the extreme vulnerability of South Sudanese living in Khartoum. As well as being careful to support and not undermine their own self and community protection strategies.
- Humanitarian organisations should map and identify Christian faith communities to partner with for a comprehensive protection approach that acknowledges the unique position of South Sudanese faith communities as actors, role models and beneficiaries with an in-depth understanding of displaced South Sudanese protection needs for those who were or still are Khartoum.
- Christian faith communities should use their intimate understanding of displaced South Sudanese communities and their needs to advocate on their behalf with humanitarian organisations, the Government of Sudan's Commission for Refugees (COR) and other authorities shaping the lives of South Sudanese in Sudan, following April 2023 conflict.
- Christian faith communities should become one of the leading actors in mobilising displaced South Sudanese in camps and camp-like settlements. Utilising the many church branches that are already present and active within these communities, they should create hubs where displaced people can approach them and raise their concerns regarding their rights as displaced, refugees, including those with rights to be Sudanese.
Photo by Sebastian V.