Operationalising the Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace Agenda in Sudan

New Research: Operationalising the Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace Agenda in Sudan

 

Policy Brief – Published on March 29, 2022

Acknowledgment: Justice Call is grateful to the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC) and extends appreciation to the government of the United Kingdom for funding this research initiative. We also express our gratitude to our local partners in Sudan, including Adeela for Art and Culture, and all the incredible young people and civil society organizations that contributed to the consultation process. Their engagement through surveys and verbal and written inputs was invaluable in shaping this research.

This policy brief provides an overview of the current peacebuilding context in Sudan, summarizing key achievements and ongoing challenges in implementing the Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace Agenda. It evaluates progress by assessing essential shifts outlined by the UN Secretary-General in areas such as leadership, accountability, capacity, operational coherence, partnerships, and financing.

The report offers the following practical recommendations to enhance the UN’s efforts and support from the donor community:

  1. Ensure Continuity and Sustainability: Develop a concrete plan to transfer political functions from UNITAMS to the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) to maintain long-term peacebuilding efforts. Balance leadership roles between UNITAMS and the UN Country Team (UNCT), with the UNSC supporting dialogue and mandate renewal, while the Peacebuilding Commission leverages expertise and resources.
  2. Adapt to Changing Circumstances: Build on the positive developments in peacebuilding capacity through conflict analysis training, expert placements, and increased support from UN headquarters. Fast-paced responses are essential to adapt to Sudan’s evolving context.
  3. Strengthen UN-Civil Society Partnerships: Improve consultation mechanisms and develop a formal strategy for engaging civil society, especially in Sudan’s peripheries. More inclusive partnerships will enhance the UN’s capacity to address the needs of conflict-affected communities.
  4. Enhance Financing Mechanisms: Shorten funding chains, support local partners more directly, and extend programming timelines beyond 18 months. Donors should maintain conflict-sensitive financial commitments and improve coordination among the UN, Sudanese government, international donors, and implementing partners.

These recommendations aim to solidify the implementation of the Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace Agenda in Sudan, fostering a more resilient and inclusive approach to peacebuilding in the region.

 

Download the Full Research 

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