Preventing war: the wish of many, voiced by few
When Sudanese tally the effects of a war that claimed over two million lives, left thousands injured and disabled, and displaced four million citizens, not counting nearly half a million in the diaspora, the south’s independence need not seem like such a tremendous blow to the north.
Still, the 2005 peace agreement that formally ended two decades of conflict did not dissolve the animosity among conflicting parties. Appeals for unity have often been drowned out by threats, accusations or violent attacks. Beyond political disputes over power, wealth and debt sharing, we need only look to Abyei, Darfur and South Kordofan for devastating proof that trust has been shattered.
Pressure tactics should be activated by launching large youth campaigns to amend some laws.”
Fearing the worst, some have even gone as far as to name 9 July, the day South Sudan declared its independence, as a countdown to the next round of war between north and south.
Ironically, a few individuals rallying for peace have found themselves in trouble. Campaigners against racial hatred and violence have been harassed and taken to court.
Najlaa Ahmad and other activists were recently arrested on charges of creating a public nuisance when they staged a demonstration in front of Khartoum’s UN office to demand an end to violence in South Kordofan, where attacks on ethnic Nuba have displaced tens of thousands of Sudanese.
"Working for social peace means being prepared for arrests and trials," said Ms. Ahmad, who was later acquitted.
She insisted the demonstration had been peaceful as her group tried to present a memorandum to the United Nations, which is currently investigating the possibility of war crimes in Southern Kordofan.
The court found the protesters innocent after prolonged trial sessions.
"Working for social peace means being prepared for arrests and trials."
To openly reject war as an option, a youth group called Girifna, which means "we are fed up” in Arabic, stages events such as concerts and school activities to raise public awareness about the beneficial wisdom of conflict resolution. It also led a peace and reconciliation convoy to Abyei and southern Sudanese cities in June.
We went there to stress the message of peace and that the people of the north and south are not involved in this fight” between northern and South Sudanese parties, said Naji Mousa, one of Girifna’s leaders.
Read also: "Sudanese youth mobilise for peace and reconciliation" by Adam Abkar Ali
The Youth Forum for Social Peace (YFSP), an umbrella organisation for rights groups including Girifna, challenges the politics of intimidation in a bid to banish racism, violence and all forms of oppression that overwhelmed Sudanese communities," said Addison Joseph, the group’s former secretary-general.
"The main aim is to assert that youths won't be the fuel of war again,” he explained. On the contrary, they will be vanguards for peaceful coexistence of the Sudanese people."
How much of an impact can these groups have?
Asem Babakar, a political activist, said the support of civil society organisations can foster a culture of respect for human rights as well as the rule of law.
Beyond conflict prevention, Babakar pointed to a need for more dialogue and reconciliation throughout Sudanese society, including greater integration of marginalised groups, more rights for women and children, and better rehabilitation of homeless youth.
See also: http://www.girifna.com"Pressure tactics should be activated by launching large youth campaigns for amending some laws such as the public order law,” he said. This can enhance the possibility of peaceful coexistence and help prevent wars and conflicts from being reignited.”
The young activists who think too much blood has already been shed in Sudan hope their campaign to wage peace will increase until its numbers are too great to ignore.
Editor: Alexa Dvorson
