Context and Scale of the Challenge
The conflict that erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has created one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.
By early 2026:
- Over 8 million people are displaced
- 19 million face acute food insecurity
- 14 million lack healthcare access
- 19 million children are out of school
Infrastructure damage is estimated at $30–40 billion, with healthcare facilities, schools, water systems, roads, and housing all severely impacted. GDP has contracted by 18–20%, with inflation exceeding 100%, and agricultural output down over 50% in conflict zones.
Strategic Framework
The proposal presents a comprehensive 10-year, $40–50 billion reconstruction framework built around a core principle: build back better and more equitably, directly addressing the historical exclusion that drove the conflict in the first place.
Six priority investment areas are identified:
- Humanitarian relief ($5–7bn)
- Housing reconstruction ($8–10bn)
- Core infrastructure including WASH, health, education, energy and transport ($18–22bn)
- Economic recovery ($5–6bn)
- Institutional rebuilding ($2–3bn)
- Environmental restoration ($2–3bn)
Reconstruction is sequenced across four delivery phases:
- Emergency (0–6 months)
- Early Recovery (6–18 months)
- Reconstruction (18 months–5 years)
- Development (5–10 years)
This phased structure enables gradual mobilisation of resources and institutional capacity.
A defining feature of the framework is its emphasis on inclusion:
- Women must comprise 40% of the reconstruction workforce
- Women must hold 50% of governance body positions
- Ethnic minorities must be represented in leadership roles
- Historically marginalised regions — particularly Darfur, Kordofan, and Eastern Sudan — must receive priority investment
Three Practical Recommendations for Implementation
- Establish a Multi-Donor Trust Fund with Transparent Regional Allocation Formulas
Fragmented donor contributions have historically delayed reconstruction in conflict settings. A single coordinated trust fund, governed by transparent allocation criteria, would prevent Khartoum from monopolising resources, ensure marginalised regions receive prioritised funding, and reduce administrative duplication.
This mechanism should be operational within the Emergency Phase.
- Embed Community-Led Monitoring into Every Project from Day One
Communities must drive — not just receive — reconstruction.
All contractors and implementing partners should be required to establish community oversight committees at project inception, with regular public reporting on expenditures and progress.
This builds accountability, deters corruption, and increases local buy-in — all critical risk mitigations on a programme of this scale.
- Integrate Livelihoods Creation into Infrastructure Contracts
Infrastructure procurement should include mandatory local employment quotas, prioritising women, youth, and vulnerable groups.
Rather than importing labour and materials, contracts should specify minimum percentages of locally sourced goods and workers.
This turns reconstruction spending into immediate economic stimulus, addressing unemployment — itself a key driver of continued instability.
Conclusion
This is an ambitious but credible roadmap. Success depends on political will, sustained international commitment, and genuine inclusion.
The risk of replicating pre-conflict inequalities is real — and the programme’s peacebuilding value hinges on getting the governance and equity dimensions right from the outset.
