Safety Among Displaced South Sudanese in Khartoum: The Role of Christian Faith Communities

Abstract

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.