This week marks a grim milestone for the people of western Sudan: twenty years since the conflict in Darfur began. The death toll has been devastating, with hundreds of thousands killed and millions displaced. In 2020, a peace agreement was signed, but many are still in desperate need of humanitarian aid.
Presenter Tom McRae speaks to three guests to discuss the situation in Darfur: Abdelwahab El-Affendi, professor at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies; Eltigani Seisi, chairperson of the National Liberation and Justice Party and a former governor of Darfur state; and Hafiz Mohamed, director of Justice Africa Sudan.
The guests discuss the impact of the conflict on the region and the prospects for peace. El-Affendi points out that the region has been neglected by the international community, and that there is still a need for greater investment in infrastructure and development. Seisi believes that justice is essential for lasting peace, and that victims must be given a voice. Mohamed stresses the importance of civil society in helping to build trust between communities.
The guests agree that peace is possible in Darfur, but it will require a sustained effort from both local and international actors. El-Affendi believes that a holistic approach is needed, one that addresses both the immediate humanitarian needs and the underlying causes of the conflict. Seisi calls for greater investment in education, while Mohamed argues that civil society must be empowered to help build bridges between communities.
Ultimately, the guests agree that peace in Darfur is achievable, but it will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders. It will also require a commitment to justice and an investment in development. Only then can the people of western Sudan look forward to a brighter future.