Sudanese Political and Civil Society Groups Convene in Egypt to Seek an End to the Ongoing Conflict

Conflicts Elections Politics John Brightwater September 14, 2024

Sudanese Political and Civil Society Groups Convene in Egypt to Seek an End to the Ongoing Conflict

Summary
Sudanese political and civil society groups met in Egypt to discuss pathways to end the ongoing war in Sudan, which erupted in April 2022 between the military and the Rapid Support Forces. The meeting highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis, including massive displacement and food shortages, and emphasized the need for a Sudanese-led political solution.

On Saturday, various Sudanese political and civil society organizations convened in Egypt to explore strategies aimed at terminating the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Notably, the parties involved in the hostilities did not participate in this Egyptian-sponsored summit. The unrest in Sudan erupted in April of the previous year, following escalated tensions between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces, a well-known paramilitary group. Since then, the protracted conflict has claimed more than 14,000 lives and left approximately 33,000 individuals injured, according to reports from the United Nations; however, human rights advocates suggest that the actual casualties may be considerably higher. This conflict has led to the most extensive displacement catastrophe the world has witnessed, resulting in over 11 million people being forced to abandon their homes. International assessments indicate that 755,000 individuals are at risk of famine in the near future, alongside 8.5 million facing severe food scarcity. The meeting on Saturday represents yet another attempt to forge a resolution to the Sudanese conflict and was hosted within the New Administrative Capital of Egypt, a newly developed urban center located to the east of Cairo. Prior negotiations, such as those mediated by the United States and Saudi Arabia between the military and the RSF, have not been successful in ceasing hostilities. “Any real political solution to the crisis in Sudan must be based on a purely Sudanese vision emanating from the Sudanese themselves,” stated Badr Abdelatty, Egypt’s Foreign Minister, during the conference’s opening remarks. Among the attendees were notable Sudanese figures, including an alliance of pro-democracy political parties led by former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, along with leaders from various Sudanese rebel groups such as Malik Agar of the Sudan Revolutionary Front and Gibril Ibrahim of the Justice and Equality Movement. Additionally, representatives from the Arab League, African Union, United Nations, European Union, and various other countries participated in the discussions.

The civil conflict in Sudan has its roots in longstanding tensions between the military and paramilitary factions, particularly the Rapid Support Forces, which have contributed to widespread violence and instability. The crisis escalated dramatically in April 2022, resulting in large-scale violence, significant humanitarian crises, and unprecedented levels of displacement. International organizations have regularly highlighted the human toll of this conflict, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive political solution that is inclusive of all parties involved, particularly Sudanese civil society.

The recent gathering of Sudanese political and civil society leaders in Egypt marks a crucial step toward seeking peace in a nation torn by conflict since 2022. While the absence of warring parties highlights the challenges ahead, the involvement of key regional and international stakeholders underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing this humanitarian crisis. Moving forward, deriving a Sudanese-led solution will be essential in achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.

Original Source: www.africanews.com