The Crisis of the Social Fabric in Khartoum After the War

Al-Asma‘i Bashari
Since the outbreak of the April 15, 2023 war, Khartoum State has undergone profound transformations that have not been limited to its physical and economic structures, but have extended to affect the very core of society itself—the social fabric, which for decades had been characterized by a degree of cohesion and coexistence despite significant diversity.

The war, with both its direct and indirect violence, has produced a complex social reality marked by suspicion, apprehension, and division within local communities—even within the same neighborhood and among neighbors. Social relations are no longer what they once were; instead, they have become governed by fear, mistrust, and mutual accusations.

Loss of Trust:
The crisis of the social fabric in Khartoum has manifested in multiple forms, most notably the spread of accusations among residents of belonging to or collaborating with one of the parties to the conflict. These accusations have not remained confined to everyday conversations; rather, they have evolved into concrete actions, including social estrangement, threats, and at times verbal and physical violence.

This has been accompanied by a clear erosion of trust—the fundamental pillar of any cohesive society. Neighbors who once shared the details of daily life now view one another with suspicion, leading to the disintegration of social bonds within neighborhoods that once served as models of coexistence.

Displacement and forced migration have also contributed to the dismantling of social networks. Many residents have left their homes, losing the daily interactions that once reinforced cohesion. At the same time, new groups have moved into certain areas without prior familiarity or social ties, increasing the likelihood of tension and friction.

This crisis cannot be understood in isolation from the context of the war itself. Ongoing violence—killings, arrests, and abuses—has created a general psychological climate dominated by fear and trauma. Under such conditions, individuals tend to withdraw into themselves and interact with others with extreme caution, sometimes even with preemptive hostility. Propaganda and media warfare have further deepened divisions through rhetoric based on accusation and mobilization. With the widespread use of social media, rumors spread rapidly and directly impact social relations, as strong positions are sometimes formed based on inaccurate or unverified information.

Discourses of Division:
The absence or weakness of state institutions has further exacerbated the crisis. The state typically plays the role of guarantor of security and stability; when this role is absent, individuals or groups attempt to fill the void through means that may rely on self-protection or revenge, thereby intensifying tension and division.

The continuation of this situation threatens long-term consequences that may extend beyond the war itself. The fragmentation of the social fabric may entrench divisions within society, making it difficult to rebuild trust later on. Generations raised in an environment dominated by fear and suspicion may internalize these values and reproduce them in the future. Moreover, the absence of trust poses a major obstacle to any efforts at reconstruction or development, as collective action requires a minimum level of mutual trust—something that erodes under such conditions.

Despite the seriousness of these challenges, rebuilding the social fabric remains possible if the necessary will and mechanisms are in place. Foremost among these is ending the war and creating a safe environment, as the continuation of violence undermines any attempt at social reform. Promoting a discourse of reconciliation and tolerance is also a crucial step in this direction. Community leaders, religious figures, and intellectuals can play a central role in spreading such discourse through community initiatives that rebuild trust and encourage coexistence.

Equally important is the adoption of transitional justice mechanisms based on acknowledging and addressing violations, thereby helping to reduce tensions and prevent their recurrence. This should be accompanied by rebuilding local institutions—such as neighborhood committees—on a neutral basis, so they can serve as platforms for dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution.

It is also essential to combat rumors and raise public awareness of their dangers, while encouraging the use of media to promote values of cohesion and solidarity rather than division. Providing psychological support to war-affected populations is equally important, as addressing psychological trauma directly contributes to improving social relations and reducing feelings of fear and hostility. Attention should also be given to reintegrating displaced persons into their communities—or into new ones—in ways that take social sensitivities into account and prevent the emergence of new conflicts.

Rebuilding Souls:
The crisis of the social fabric in Khartoum represents one of the most dangerous consequences of the war, as it concerns not only the present but also the future of society as a whole. Rebuilding infrastructure may be achievable within a limited timeframe, but rebuilding trust among people requires much more time and sustained effort. Nevertheless, the capacity of societies to recover remains intact—provided there is a clear vision and a sincere collective will to address the root causes of the crisis and move beyond it toward a more stable and cohesive future.