Fikra for Studies and Development

Support the Sudan Conflict Observatory’s Unyielding Mission

26 June 2025

Amid Sudan’s overlooked crisis, where truth is obscured by violence and disinformation, The Sudan Conflict Observatory, part of Yale University’s Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL), stands resolute. Through meticulous analysis of satellite imagery and open-source data, it documents the war’s atrocities—mass displacement, scorched-earth tactics, and the destruction of civilian infrastructure like hospitals, electricity and water stations. Its rigorous reports have confirmed mass graves in El-Geneina, systematic arson of villages, documented the impact on civilians from RSF attack on Wad al Noura, reported the impact on civilians as a result of the Sudanese Armed Forces air bombing, and contributed to the U.S. Department of State’s genocide determination against the Rapid Support Forces. Its findings inform UN resolutions and support International Criminal Court investigations. The Observatory’s real-time alerts, such as those warning of RSF attacks on El-Fasher have prevented another humanitarian catastrophe multiple times and encouraged better humanitarian response efforts. They’ve done all this with an integrity that shames those who would rather see Sudanese suffering vanish into the shadows.

This work transcends research; it is a testament to unwavering consistency and a legendary act of dedication.

The documentation from HRL penetrates the veil of war, highlighting the plight of Sudan to policymakers, human rights advocates, and journalists. It maps devastated villages, looted towns, and shattered hospitals—not just for justice, but as a blueprint for Sudan’s reconstruction and healing. Sudan Conflict Observatory has built an unshakeable archive of facts that will outlive this war and its surrounding disinformation.

Yet, this critical mission relies on shaky funding. Until now it relied on external grants, on the shifting sands of donor priorities. But for a conflict as agonizingly prolonged, as complex, as criminally underreported as Sudan’s, this can no longer be our only lifeline. It’s simply not sustainable. Crowdfunding, especially from the Sudanese diaspora, is a powerful act of agency—a declaration that Sudanese suffering will not be erased. Consistent funding and institutional support are essential to sustain HRL’s Sudan Conflict Observatory high-quality, accessible data and amplify the voice of the voiceless.

Sudanese and international humanists alike owe HRL’s Sudan Conflict Observatory an immense debt for keeping the truth alive when our own institutions falter. THIS IS A CALL TO THE SUDANESE DIASPORA, SUDANESE PROFESSIONALS, SUDANESE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND EVERYONE IN THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY: DONATE DIRECTLY TO SUPPORT THE MISSION OF HRL’S SUDAN CONFLICT OBSERVATORY. Every contribution you make—no matter how small—carries significant weight. In fact, its impact will be doubled. A committed donor to Yale has pledged to match every contribution made in support of the Observatory, dollar for dollar. That means every dollar you give instantly becomes two—literally, not figuratively.

Press on this link to donate directly to preserve this vital Observatory. It will lead you straight to an online donation page. In the comments section, please make sure to specify that your donation is directed to the Sudan Conflict Observatory.

Wire transfers are frequently chosen over online card payments for larger contributions. Contributors can contact the appropriate Yale departments for detailed instructions:

• For cash wire transfers, please reach out to cash.wire@yale.edu or call 203-432-5867.
• For contributions of donated securities, contact donated.securities@yale.edu or call 203-432-4107.

Investing in HRL is not charity—it is a strategic necessity for accountability, peacebuilding, and Sudan’s future. Without documentation, there is no justice or reconciliation. Let us stand with those who refuse to look away, ensuring their work endures for Sudan, for truth, and for generations to come.

Do Not Look Away

In the end, history will forever remember not only those who committed unspeakable crimes but also those who refused to look away. The HRL’s Sudan Conflict Observatory at Yale has refused to look away. Let us not look away from them. Let us, instead, ensure that their eyes remain open – for Sudan, for justice, and for the generations yet to come.