To mark the second anniversary of the conflict in Sudan, ACT Alliance and Caritas Internationalis joined faith leaders in the region – the All African Council of Churches and Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) – in a joint statement on the priorities for Sudan as the devastating conflict enters its third year. They also call for commitment to the South Sudan peace process as pressure mounts.
In Sudan over 30 million people, more than half of Sudan’s population, now require urgent assistance. The ongoing conflict has further destabilised an already fragile situation. The spiralling humanitarian crises have led to mass displacement and severe humanitarian needs, further exacerbated by drastic global aid cuts.
As faith-based actors, the work of ACT Alliance and Caritas is rooted in a long history of solidarity with Sudan, promoting peace, justice and human dignity. As the regional impacts are bringing further threats of violence and political tensions, we echo the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference statement in calling for the primacy of human life, restraint and dialogue for peace.
As people of faith, we call for end to this mindless destruction of lives and property and for the international community to be intentional in demanding an enforceable ceasefire and mobilise resources to respond to the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan.
Rev. Dr. Fidon Mwombeki, General Secretary AACC
Empowering mutual aid & locally led response
As ACT Alliance EU, we are supporting the global advocacy efforts addressing the role of the EU and its Member States. Specifically, we are amplifying members’ experience in supporting the diverse community and local response in-country to call for scaled up donor engagement.
At the heart of our joint appeal is support to Sudanese civil society and mutual aid actors who are at the backbone and the forefront of ensuring communities access aid. Together with diverse local partners, we are working jointly to support front line responders and, wherever possible, we are also maintaining development programmes to ensure long-term future recovery. In this respect, we welcome the efforts of Sudanese actors to maintain access, communication and coordination to enable communities affected by conflict and crisis to access aid. Their tireless work to counter hate speech and divisions is essential to prevent the complete breakdown of the social fabric.
At large, both community-based networks and local civil society organisations remain critically underfunded and face extreme risks daily. Despite recognition that local actors have led – often alone – the response for communities affected by famine and multiple humanitarian challenges since April 2023, direct funding and protection remain alarmingly low. Local actors continue to receive less than 1% of international aid.
The situation in Sudan is dire and without a concerted strong push for peace talks the conflict will only worsen. The international community cannot continue to turn a blind eye to Sudan. In particular, the European Union (EU) and its Member States must step up efforts on ongoing human rights violations. To end the vast suffering, concerted international diplomacy for peace talks is urgently needed.
See also: joint reporting by Sudan and South Sudan Fora with priorities for humanitarian response & diplomacy
