Sudan: Women Demand Inclusive, Safe Dialogue to End Sudan War for Good

What the report says

Sudanese feminist and civil society voices are urging that any future Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue on ending the war be broad-based, inclusive and protected by real security guarantees. In a report distributed by AllAfrica from Dabanga, speakers in interviews with Radio Dabanga’s "Kandakas and Miarems" programme argued that women, young people and grassroots groups must have meaningful roles in the political process, rather than being added only after key decisions are made.

The discussion centered on the need for a safe space where participants can speak without fear of violence, punishment or other repercussions. Hala Al-Karib of the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa said dialogue held inside Sudan could have legitimacy if it allowed citizens to participate freely, while also emphasizing that women’s voices should be strongly represented and that protections for women and children remain central as the conflict continues. She also linked the war to abuses against women and called for civilian protection measures if peace advances.

Youth activist Fatima Adam warned against a top-down process disconnected from local communities and said justice should be part of any settlement, not only the war’s end. Researcher Azza Mustafa similarly said women’s participation should be treated as equal and essential, not symbolic. Together, the remarks reflect wider concerns that multiple competing peace tracks could weaken the effort unless the process is open, coordinated and rooted in public legitimacy.