Introduction and Overview
Sudan has long experienced waves of migration, but in recent years the exodus has accelerated. Citizens are leaving not only because of conflict and economic hardship, but also due to systematic government crackdowns on dissent. Political repression, arbitrary arrests, and the violent dispersal of protests have created a climate where many Sudanese see exile as the only path to safety.

The fall of former president Omar al-Bashir in 2019 raised hopes for a democratic transition. Yet subsequent military takeovers and violent suppression of pro-democracy movements dashed these expectations. Instead of greater freedoms, Sudanese citizens face continued repression, leading thousands to flee to neighbouring countries, the Middle East, and Europe.

This article examines the causes of government crackdowns, the lived experiences of citizens under repression, and the consequences of mass migration abroad.


Crackdowns on Political Dissent
The transitional period following Bashir’s removal saw widespread protests demanding civilian rule. Security forces responded with deadly force, most infamously during the June 2019 massacre in Khartoum, where over a hundred protesters were killed. Such brutality set the tone for continued repression.

Since the military coup of October 2021, demonstrations have been met with tear gas, live ammunition, and mass arrests. Activists, journalists, and opposition figures are regularly detained, often without trial. Internet shutdowns and surveillance further restrict the ability of citizens to mobilise or express dissent.

These crackdowns create an environment where participation in peaceful protest can cost lives, liberty, or livelihood, pushing many Sudanese to seek refuge abroad.


Everyday Repression and Human Rights Abuses
Beyond protests, ordinary Sudanese endure daily repression. Arbitrary detentions, torture in custody, and restrictions on freedom of movement are common. Civil society organisations and independent media face harassment, closure, or censorship.

Women activists in particular have been targeted, with reports of harassment and sexual violence by security forces. Students are monitored, and universities have been raided during times of unrest. Religious and ethnic minorities also face disproportionate scrutiny, compounding their vulnerability.

This pervasive repression creates a climate of fear, where citizens cannot speak openly or organise freely. For many, leaving Sudan becomes the only option to escape persecution.


Migration and Its Consequences
The result of these crackdowns is a steady outflow of Sudanese citizens. Many cross into Egypt, Chad, or South Sudan, while others embark on perilous journeys towards Libya and Europe. Professionals, including doctors, teachers, and engineers, are among those leaving, contributing to a “brain drain” that weakens Sudan’s social and economic foundations.

Those who reach exile often face new challenges: asylum procedures, economic hardship, and discrimination. Yet they also form vibrant diaspora communities that continue to advocate for democracy and human rights in Sudan.

The mass migration has regional implications, straining host countries and complicating international efforts to stabilise Sudan.

Accountability, Reform, and Conclusion
Government crackdowns are a key driver of migration in Sudan, yet they also reflect deeper systemic failures: lack of democratic institutions, entrenched military dominance, and disregard for human rights.

Steps towards change must include:
- Accountability: investigate and prosecute security forces responsible for killings, torture, and repression.
- Political reform: restore civilian-led governance and respect democratic rights.
- Support for civil society: allow media, NGOs, and grassroots movements to operate freely.
- International solidarity: expand asylum pathways and support diaspora communities advocating for democracy.

Until Sudan curbs repression and restores freedoms, its citizens will continue to flee. Their journeys abroad are not simply stories of migration, but testimonies to the heavy cost of authoritarian rule at home.