At the invitation of the Norwegian Embassy to Sudan, which operates from the Kenyan capital Nairobi, H.E. Ambassador Anton John Anton Jonsson, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Sudan and Eritrea, met with a number of representatives of Sudanese civil society organizations, women groups, youth groups and networks and leaders, political leaders in a series of consultative meetings over Thursday and Friday, 14-15 February 2024, at the African Organization for Rights and Development (AFORD) headquarters in Kampala, a Rights and Development Hub hosting several CSOs and volunteers.
The meetings discussed a number of issues related to stopping and ending the war in Sudan, in addition to meeting the challenges of the humanitarian crisis facing millions of internally displaced Sudanese, Also Urgent humanitarian aid is required to address the immediate needs of millions of displaced Sudanese, the issues of asylum seekers and refugees in refugee camps and urban areas in neighboring countries and the region, and the repercussions of the continuation of the war and the danger of its slide into a comprehensive civil war that threatens the unity and cohesion of Sudanese society and regional and international peace and security.
The Ambassador expressed his deep regret over the continuation of the war, which caused the largest humanitarian disaster in the world, and led to the displacement of millions of Sudanese to neighboring countries, and called on all Sudanese, especially civil society, to unite all their efforts and exert the maximum possible pressure on the parties to the conflict and urge them to stop the war, and the Ambassador stressed that his country stands with the Sudanese people, and supports all steps that lead to stopping the war, achieving peace and returning the civil and democratic path in Sudan.
His Excellency listened to interventions from representatives of Sudanese community organizations, who expressed their thanks and appreciation to the government and people of Norway for standing by the Sudanese people, the humanitarian situation is deteriorating rapidly, and the international community’s response has been insufficient.
Especially since the ongoing war in Sudan has not received the necessary attention from the international media and the international community. The meetings pointed out that the intervention of some countries and the support of the two parties to the conflict has exacerbated the war crisis in Sudan, and called for the need to stop the war and address the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Sudan, and called on the Norwegian ambassador to exert more efforts to stop the war and address the Sudanese crisis, and provide more support to address the humanitarian challenges faced by the Sudanese people.
The meetings have confirmed The Norwegian government’s support for the Sudanese people is significant, but more needs to be done.
Sudanese civil society organizations are playing a crucial role in advocating for peace and humanitarian aid. Their engagement with international diplomats is essential in shaping the international response to the crisis. The ongoing conflict in Sudan poses a serious threat to regional stability.
A prolonged war could escalate into a wider civil war, with devastating consequences for the region. The meetings underscore the urgency of finding a peaceful solution to the Sudanese conflict, increased diplomatic efforts are needed to pressure the warring parties to cease hostilities and engage in meaningful dialogue. Also the international community must provide sustained support to Sudan, including financial aid and technical assistance.
Empowering Sudanese civil society organizations can contribute to a more peaceful and democratic future for Sudan.
The two days visit facilitated by the African Center for Peace and Democracy
