Resilience Practices and Post‐Traumatic Growth Among Sudanese <scp>IDPs</scp>

ABSTRACT In this paper we examine the resilience of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sudan who have endured various forms of suffering resulting from being targeted or trapped by militants involved in large‐scale violence. Upon escaping the conflict zones, the civilians exhibit strength, adaptability, and wisdom in the face of various threats to their wellbeing and survival. For this case study of Sudanese IDPs, we rely on the Four Loop Model of Resilience, which highlights four interconnected components: the structure of conflict, dynamics of identity and power, external resources, and social capacities. These components underpin the practices of resilience exhibited by the displaced community. The Four Loop Model underscores the importance of IDP communities' knowledge production and agency in addressing the complexities of prolonged conflict. Rather than passive victims relying solely for their well‐being on external assistance, the participants of this case study shaped their fate through self‐reliance in acquiring essential resources, building and nurturing community networks in IDP camps, and offering mutual assistance and support. Our findings not only support the studies that discuss the importance of self‐reliance, community engagement, and altruistic behavior for personal and community resilience of IDPs, but also offer novel perspectives on these practices, including the arrival of self‐reliance practices from the nested positions within the IDP community, rather than individual perspectives; increased engagement with host communities and other neighboring IDP communities beyond their own communities; and mutual psychological support and trauma healing. Our study also emphasizes the importance of acknowledging micro‐dynamics of identity and power within IDP communities, including the salience of religious identity and strong faith. This proactive approach empowers the IDPs to address the challenges of protracted displacement and promote positive transformations within their communities. These IDPs should not be treated merely as aid recipients. Practitioners and policymakers should work to empower them to mobilize their resources and capacities. The programs of external aid should aim at identifying and supporting the practices of resilience developed by the IDP community in Sudan to develop more efficient localized solutions that empower these communities in securing essential resources.