STORY: Gubara al-Basheer and his family used to traverse Sudan's desert with their camels and livestock, moving freely between markets, water sources, and green pastures.
But researchers say their mobility and that of millions of others has been severely limited since war erupted in 2023.
"In the past, no one would stop a person or a nomadic tribe's caravan, nor would anyone say, 'this person is from this region or that region,' a caravan was a caravan, a market was a market, a street was a street. We used to be able to move as we wanted. Now there is no choice and no side accepts you."
He and other Arab nomads have been stuck in the desert outside the central Sudanese city of al-Obeid, threatened by marauding bandits and ethnic tensions.
:: RSF
The war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, has left nearly 14 million people displaced, triggered rounds of ethnic bloodshed, and spread famine and disease.
Local researcher Ibrahim Jumaa said it will take a lot of work to heal the country.
"What is required now from the state and society? This is a very important question in the coming phase. First, designing a social program to counter hate speech, to impose the rule of law, and to promote social reconciliation, as the war has torn the social fabric. One of the wanted solutions is how to prevent the societal rifts that the war has created."
:: RSF
The U.S. and rights groups have accused the RSF of committing genocide against non-Arabs in West Darfur during the current conflict, in an extension of long-running violence stemming from disputes over land.
The RSF has denied responsibility for ethnically charged killings and has said those responsible for abuses will be held to account.
