Civilians have better opportunities to promote peace in Sudan
The work of the Finnish organisation CMI has improved dialogue in war-torn Sudan.
Thanks to dialogue supported by CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation, cooperation between Sudan’s political parties, civil society organisations and trade unions has been strengthened. These groups have been able to build consensus on key issues concerning Sudan’s future and exchange views on how political negotiations could be restarted to support a transition to democracy.
In 2024, CMI strengthened prospects for peace in Sudan by promoting inclusive dialogue and a civilian-led political transition. Its work brought together political actors, civil society organisations and armed movements, while connecting them to international mediation processes. Particular attention was paid to strengthening the negotiation skills and meaningful participation of women, young people and other underrepresented groups in peace efforts.
Sudanese women also have better opportunities to influence efforts to end the war and restart the peace process thanks to CMI’s support. The aim is to safeguard the progress made in the status of women since Sudan’s 2019 revolution. Workshops organised for Sudanese women in 2024 addressed topics including mental health and psychosocial support. The workshops strengthened women’s negotiation skills and their capacity to participate in political dialogue.
Background
In April 2023, a civil war broke out in Sudan when a power struggle between two military factions escalated into an open conflict. The military had halted the country’s transition to democracy in October 2021 by overthrowing the civilian government.
The war has had devastating consequences. Tens of thousands of people have been killed. In December 2025, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) estimated that the number of internally displaced people and refugees had reached nearly 13 million. Every second Sudanese is in need of humanitarian assistance. The risk of the conflict spreading beyond Sudan’s borders continues to grow.
In addition to ending the violence, political negotiations on a transition to democracy must be restarted. A key part of the solution is transferring power from the military to civilians. Without civilian participation, sustainable peace cannot be achieved in Sudan.
Support and funding
CMI, founded by President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Martti Ahtisaari, promotes opportunities for civilians to influence peace efforts in Sudan with support from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. In 2024, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs supported the project with approximately EUR 280,000.