“Emergencies have always been the pretext on which the safeguards of individual liberty have been eroded.” — Friedrich Hayek
In the ruins of the current Sudan war, a conflict that has shattered lives and upended communities, I found myself among the countless individuals thrust into the harsh reality of displacement. Forced to leave the familiar streets of my hometown– Khartoum city– I embarked on a journey to the Northern State, where ambiguity and challenges awaited.
My journey was fraught with uncertainty and fear, the once-vivid streets were now immersed in doom and gloom as gunshots echoed through the empty streets. The sight of destruction was pervasive, buildings lay in ruins and burnt, looted cars were scattered along rugged roads.
Yet, amidst the desolation, each step towards the Northern State carried a whisper of hope. The Nile River shimmered as a lifeline in the serene desert vistas, offering solace amidst the distress. Sheltered by the cradle of the mountains, the chaos of war began to wane.
Little did I know that this upheaval would reveal the potential for positive change.
During my displacement, a different narrative unfolded, defying Hayek’s observation that emergencies erode individual liberty safeguards. I witnessed the resilience of individuals, especially young girls, navigating adversity with unwavering determination. Despite daunting challenges and constrained resources, I dedicated myself to empowering these young girls’ minds, initiating programs to teach essential skills like the English language, project management, and micro-enterprise management. These endeavours aimed to provide immediate relief and also help shape their futures, fostering economic liberty through education and skill development.
Education emerged as a beacon of hope amid my displacement. Focusing on practical skills aimed to break the cycle of dependency and instil self-sufficiency, such as vocational training and financial literacy, provided displaced individuals with the tools needed to thrive independently. English language proficiency opened doors to more opportunities, while project management skills empowered these girls to carve out their own paths. Through these initiatives, displaced individuals have exercised their economic liberty, paving the way for sustainable livelihoods and community development.
After settling in this new village for over a year, the education initiatives have now blossomed into transformative opportunities. Through dedicated efforts, these girls acquired essential skills, venturing into entrepreneurship and establishing their own small businesses. These ventures not only supported them, but also contributed to the economic resilience of their families and communities.
My efforts in The Northern State mirrored a broader movement among displaced professionals and young entrepreneurs in the Northern State, who redirected their skills to boost local economies. Highly qualified displaced professionals spread into rural areas, bringing knowledge and a keen desire to make a difference. For example, displaced doctors seized the opportunity to mend broken healthcare systems, laying the foundation for sustainable healthcare. The once modest medical centre now stands as a fully operational hospital, offering a wide range of medical services, embodying the transformative power of dedication and expertise.
Young entrepreneurs redirected their skills, boosting local economies and transforming modest markets into bustling hubs of commerce and community. These endeavours supported individuals and nurtured a sense of communal liberty, exemplifying the freedom to rebuild, innovate, and thrive amidst adversity. Displacement necessitated innovation and adaptation, leading us to seize opportunities to teach essential skills and foster entrepreneurship. By embracing liberty in its truest form—the freedom to innovate, create, and rebuild shattered communities—we extended this liberty beyond economic ventures to encompass the ability to envision and implement positive change in challenging environments.
Yet, this positive narrative is not common. Some displaced individuals, possibly overwhelmed by the trauma of their forced relocation, have chosen to remain idle, waiting for the day they can return to Khartoum. This passivity, while understandable, squanders the potential for positive change that displacement offers. It is essential to recognise the transformative power within each individual, harnessing it to build a better tomorrow.
Displacement need not condemn people to stagnation. It can be an opportunity for growth, resilience, and community building. The experiences of those who have actively contributed to the improvement of their new surroundings should inspire others to do the same. By embracing the challenges of displacement, we can collectively forge a path towards a brighter and more promising future.
As we approach the 15-month mark since this war began in April 2023, it’s clear that its end is not imminent. This realisation should motivate us to harness the transformative power within each individual, regardless of their circumstances. The liberty to rebuild, innovate, and contribute positively to new surroundings is a fundamental human right that should be embraced and celebrated. Yet, the freedom to rebuild is frequently hindered by restrictive regulations that stifle individual initiative and innovation. These barriers prevent people from fully exercising their self-reliance and independence, impeding their ability to improve their circumstances and contribute to their communities. By addressing and alleviating these regulatory constraints, we can empower individuals to take control of their futures and drive positive change. In doing so, we reinforce the importance of liberty in rebuilding and revitalising war-torn societies, ensuring that the spirit of resilience and innovation can truly flourish.
