The Sudanese Initiative to End the War and Build Peace has concluded preliminary consultations on a proposal to establish a hybrid mediation platform. The consultations, held from 6–8 July, brought together representatives of civil society organizations, community and religious leaders, women’s and youth groups, academics from university peace studies centers, as well as online participants from both inside Sudan and abroad.
Participants discussed the initiative’s proposal for a hybrid mediation platform based on the principle of national ownership of the peace process. The proposal comes amid the continued conflict and the proliferation of regional and international mediation efforts, which have faced challenges including limited Sudanese representation, inadequate participation of local communities, and differing interests among international actors involved in mediation.
Peace studies researcher Mujtaba Abdelaziz told Mashaweer that the consultations focused on the concept of a hybrid platform as a Sudanese-led mediation mechanism with a clearly defined and supportive international role.
He explained that discussions addressed the platform’s foundational principles, standards of legitimacy and representation, mechanisms for ensuring inclusivity, and the identification of key stakeholders in the peace process, culminating in a set of final recommendations.
Meanwhile, initiative member Ahmed Mahmoud told Mashaweer that the initiative would continue working to promote a comprehensive Sudanese-led peace process, involving all sectors of society in a way that strengthens national ownership and leads to a sustainable settlement capable of ending the war.
The initiative brings together Sudanese young men and women active in Resistance Committees, grassroots organizations, and individuals engaged in peacebuilding and national reconciliation.
It aims to develop a Sudanese vision for peace processes and transitional justice that can help end recurring conflicts, address human rights violations, and pave the way for building a democratic civilian state founded on the rule of law and justice.
