January 13, 2025
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, marked by the unrelenting violence between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has created one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. Over 30 million people urgently require assistance, and hundreds of thousands face famine in the wake of widespread atrocities. At Search for Common Ground, we view these events not just as a humanitarian tragedy but as a profound call to action for peacebuilding, accountability, and justice.
The Tragedy of Violence and Division
The horrifying accounts of targeted killings, ethnic violence, and systematic sexual violence paint a grim picture of the suffering endured by Sudanese civilians. There have been credible reports of war crimes, crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing, and now genocide as determined by the U.S. Department of State. These actions not only destroy lives but also deepen societal fractures, sowing seeds of mistrust and hatred that will take generations to heal.
Multipartiality and Accountability: A Peacebuilder’s Approach
At Search for Common Ground, we champion multipartiality—the commitment to engage with all sides of a conflict while remaining unwavering in our principles of justice and nonviolence. Holding perpetrators accountable is essential, not as a punitive measure alone, but as a step toward breaking cycles of impunity and fostering the rule of law.
Accountability for the atrocities in Sudan is a critical component of building sustainable peace. However, accountability is the responsibility of all parties, and it’s something that the Sudanese people are demanding. We need to continue to enable Sudanese civil society to lead truth-telling, reconciliation, and justice processes that reflect their aspirations and values.
Centering Sudanese Voices
The Sudanese people have demonstrated remarkable resilience and courage in the face of unimaginable hardship. Their calls for an inclusive democratic future must remain at the forefront of international engagement. As peacebuilders, we emphasize the importance of centering local voices,—including those of women, youth, and marginalized groups—in shaping solutions to the conflict.
This past summer, Search for Common Ground had the privilege of facilitating a critical step toward peace by bringing a group of Sudanese women experts and leaders to Geneva for peace talks. These women, representing diverse communities, carried the weight of their nation’s suffering but also the determination to chart a new course for Sudan. Their efforts were instrumental in shaping the 2024 Code of Conduct produced by the Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan initiative.
The Code of Conduct, adopted by multiple parties in the peace talks, underscores essential commitments: ensuring the unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief, preventing war crimes, and ending the systematic use of sexual violence. The women’s presence and advocacy in Geneva were a powerful reminder that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without the inclusion of those most affected by conflict.
All parties, including civil society, need to continue to hold perpetrators accountable and insist on protections for civilians; these women have laid the groundwork for justice and healing.
From Crisis to Opportunity
While the current crisis in Sudan underscores the devastating consequences of unchecked violence, it also presents an opportunity for transformative change. The international community, including organizations like Search for Common Ground, are prioritizing holistic peacebuilding approaches that address the root causes of the conflict while supporting the immediate needs of those affected.
Humanitarian aid is crucial in alleviating suffering, yet aid alone is insufficient. We must simultaneously invest in the social infrastructure required to rebuild trust, reconcile divided communities, and create a sustainable peace.
A Call to Action
Sudan’s story is one of pain but also of potential. The Sudanese people have endured unimaginable hardship, but their resilience shows us that peace is possible. Together, we must act to end the war, deliver humanitarian aid to those in desperate need who are inaccessible due to fighting, and hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes.
As the Sudanese proverb reminds us, “If people come together, they can even mend a crack in the sky.” Let us come together to mend the cracks of division and conflict, standing firmly in solidarity with the people of Sudan.
Donate and stay informed. Follow Search for Common Ground’s efforts to promote peace and support Sudanese civil society as we work toward a just and inclusive future.
