On September 21, 2024, representatives from the Sudanese American Research & Development Center (SARC) participated in the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) Peace Day Open House in Washington, D.C. This annual event, hosted by USIP, brings together peacebuilding organizations, individuals, experts, academics, and students to share their experiences and insights on conflict resolution. SARC’s participation provided a valuable opportunity to present their initiatives aimed at addressing Sudan’s post-conflict challenges and fostering long-term peace.
During the event, SARC representatives engaged in discussions with several USIP staff members, including key officials in peacebuilding efforts. They presented the organization’s comprehensive approach to post-conflict recovery, emphasizing the need for international partnerships and sustained support for Sudan during this critical period.
The key areas of focus presented by SARC included:
1. Rehabilitation and Reconstruction: SARC’s efforts to rebuild communities devastated by conflict, focusing on infrastructure such as schools, healthcare facilities, and essential services, were highlighted as a critical priority for Sudan’s recovery.
2. Empowering Civil Society: SARC’s commitment to supporting grassroots organizations and strengthening civil society in Sudan is aimed at promoting democratic governance. Through training and capacity-building programs, SARC empowers local leaders to advocate for human rights and good governance.
3. Raising Awareness for Peace: A major initiative for SARC is fostering ethnic and religious tolerance, helping communities recover from the divisions caused by conflict. SARC’s awareness campaigns focus on educating the public about the consequences of war, with the goal of promoting peace and understanding.
4. Training for Democratic Transition: SARC’s training programs are designed to build the skills necessary for peaceful governance and civilian leadership, ensuring that Sudan’s transition to democracy is led by capable, informed individuals.
5. Research on War’s Impact: SARC is conducting research on the social and psychological effects of the conflict in Sudan, particularly on women and children. Their studies explore issues such as sexual violence, displacement, and trauma, providing insights to inform future policy and humanitarian interventions.
6. Humanitarian Interventions: SARC also emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian support, particularly access to food, medical supplies, and clean water in conflict-affected regions. In collaboration with international partners, SARC is working to meet these critical needs.
During their presentation, SARC shared insights from the American Civil War and President Abraham Lincoln’s Reconstruction efforts, drawing parallels with Sudan’s current challenges. Lincoln’s focus on healing and reconciliation, rather than punishment, was highlighted as a model for Sudanese leaders seeking to promote peace and stability. SARC emphasized the importance of truth and reconciliation commissions in fostering dialogue, understanding, and rebuilding trust among Sudan’s diverse communities.
SARC also underscored the relevance of Lincoln’s economic recovery policies for Sudan, advocating for comprehensive development programs to address poverty, unemployment, and the lack of education and healthcare in conflict-affected areas. Economic stability is seen as key to long-term peace and recovery in Sudan.
In addition to these formal discussions, SARC representatives met with visitors from various organizations, individuals, and students attending the event. They shared SARC’s mission and goals, distributing business cards and brochures to raise awareness and explore potential collaborations with other international peacebuilding organizations.
SARC’s participation in the USIP Peace Day Open House in Washington, D.C. demonstrates their ongoing commitment to partnering with American institutions and the international community to support Sudan’s reconstruction and peacebuilding efforts. By fostering these partnerships, SARC aims to play a central role in helping Sudan emerge from conflict as a stable, peaceful, and prosperous nation.
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