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Sudan Peacebuilding Programme
A programme of regular consultations between key stakeholders in the conflict, designed to facilitate agreement on points of difference and to explore informally the basis of a negotiated settlement.
Description
The first part of the initiative consisted of six consultations that were held between January 2001 and June 2003 run by Concordis International (then known as Relationships Foundation International) in partnership with the African Renaissance Institute (ARI). Typical subjects included:
- Self-determination;
- Oil and gas industries in Sudan;
- Religion and the state;
- Alternative constitutional arrangements and their implications for Sudanese identities;
- Alternative transitional arrangements and their relevance to the Sudan;
- Mineral resources with special reference to gold;
- Military and security issues;
- Internally Displaced People and refugees in Sudan.
Subsequently, Concordis International responded to requests from senior Sudanese to remain engaged, by re-focusing on informal dialogue aimed at developing consensus on post-conflict priorities for Sudan and contributing on regional issues including Darfur and Eastern Sudan. To date, Concordis has facilitated a further twelve regional and national Sudanese consultations on this basis. In addition to informal consultations, Concordis seeks other means of furthering peace processes, including publications and capacity-building workshops, but always remains non-partisan in its approach.
Aims / Objectives
The aims of the programme are to bring together, in a series of regular consultations, highly placed individuals who are close to the key players of the main constituencies, to explore informally the basis for a peace settlement covering a wide range of key issues. The programme also helps build relationships between the Sudanese participants over time so as to aid their understanding of their respective positions, whilst empowering them to influence their respective constituencies. Concordis International carry out systematic research on key socio-economic and other topics so as to facilitate a fresh and constructive dialogue on contentious issues. Another important objective is to equip all stakeholders with negotiating skills in the areas of critical concern so as to facilitate a participatory, negotiated outcome in which the interests of presently marginalised regions can be safeguarded and taken fully into account.
How it is Articulated
Based on principles of Education, Capacity Building and Community Building, the Sudan Peacebuilding Programme works by holding consultations with highly placed individuals who are close to the key players of the main constituencies.
Achievements / Learning Points
The consultations take place in parallel with formal peace negotiations supported by the international community (the IGAD process and the African Union Abuja process). These consultations are increasingly ‘owned’ by the Sudanese themselves and played a strategic role in an inclusive peace-building process. Unlike IGAD, which only involved the two major players (the Government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army), all major Sudanese constituencies were involved- ethnic, religious political and geographical. Outcomes were fed into the IGAD process and helped to find constructive solutions to points of differences as well as providing a channel for parties otherwise excluded from the formal talks to make their views and concerns known. Similar breadth has been added to the Darfur and Eastern Sudan negotiations.
By providing a forum where leaders can meet informally and discuss key issues, the programme contributes to a greater willingness on all sides to lay down weapons, to finding constructive solutions to points of difference and thus to the success of the formal peace talks.
Geographical Area of Operation
Sudan - National, Darfur and Eastern Sudan.
Associated Organisations
Individuals, churches, trust donations, foundations, grants and governments.