Sudan social safety nets collapse amid protracted conflict
November 14, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s socio-economic structure is witnessing an unprecedented erosion of its mutual safety nets and government social protection systems due to the ongoing armed conflict.
The war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has destroyed the basic livelihood coping mechanisms of families, alongside neighbourhood associations.
With service institutions collapsing and livelihoods cut off, traditional mutual safety nets such as “Nafeer” and “Takaya” have been exhausted.
This has pushed poverty rates to record highs, leaving millions exposed to severe food insecurity and forced displacement.
Patterns of collapse
Abdel Rahman Darmali, a member of the emergency room, said the most prominent pattern of poverty after these networks collapsed has emerged among the working class.
He noted that these workers lost their means to cope with market demands and cover living costs.
Darmali told Sudan Tribune that skilled labourers have also faced complex conditions, though some managed to overcome them by transferring their expertise to other states.
He pointed out a disparity in solidarity toward displaced people, with some communities continuing to provide support while others stopped because of deteriorating economic conditions.
Darmali highlighted threats surrounding social safety nets, primarily the lack of security, stability and justice.
However, he emphasized the remarkable role of local merchants who take high risks to transport food to dangerous areas.
These merchants coordinate efforts to combat famine and sustain communal kitchens.
Digital void
The crisis has also frozen direct government programs, such as the social support fund and aid targeting vulnerable populations.
It has extended to the information infrastructure, destroying digital care and solidarity records.
Sources at the finance ministry told Sudan Tribune that the ministry has not disbursed any funds for social support this year, aside from some money approved by the minister for unnamed groups.
In the emergency 2026 budget, the government did not announce a specific percentage allocated for social support.
The sources stated that the budget included an increase in the minimum monthly pension to about 450,000 Sudanese pounds as direct social support.
They added that the 2026 budget concentrated its expenditures primarily on the war effort and providing emergency basic services.
Severe reduction
Dr Mohamed Ali Salem, commissioner of the Social Safety, Solidarity and Poverty Reduction Commission, confirmed the conflict has severely reduced interventions targeting the most needy.
Speaking during a meeting with the International Food Policy Research Institute on Aug. 24, Salem said the commission is seeking to rebuild the missing database.
Sudan’s social development minister stated in November 2025 that the country’s poverty rate had jumped from 21% to about 71%.
This was attributed to declining state revenues, increased war spending and the suspension of productive activities.
Waning assistance
Amy Pope, director general of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), warned in September of the imminent paralysis of essential support.
She said the halt in political and financial support threatens the operations of more than 100 relief organizations and disrupts access to millions.
In a joint statement issued by four U.N. agencies on Oct. 24, 2025, IOM Deputy Director General for Operations Ugochi Daniels spoke about the deep erosion of local networks.
“We met families who have returned to completely destroyed cities, with no water or electricity, where hospitals are out of service, and schools are closed,” Daniels said.
“More than 900 days of fighting and the collapse of vital services have pushed over 30 million Sudanese to the brink of survival, amid a complete breakdown of social protection apparatuses.”