Women leading peace negotiations in war-torn Darfur

As the world celebrated the International Day of Peace over the weekend, Sudan remains engulfed in turmoil. The war that erupted on April 15, 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has spread across the nation, affecting the greater Darfur region. This area has long struggled with communal conflicts, compounded by the coexistence of nomadic and sedentary populations vying for limited resources. Historical ethnic marginalization, further exploited by Sudan’s ruling elite, has only deepened the instability, which has now worsened with the current war.

Despite these challenges, the Malam-Darfur Peace Development (MDPD) organization, a key partner in the CSM-STAND Sudan program, has been pivotal in facilitating local peace and conflict transformation processes in parts of Darfur. MDPD’s efforts to foster and maintain social cohesion between pastoralists and farmers have been both consistent and impactful. They established the Social Cohesion Mechanism for Pastoralists and Farmers in South Darfur, mediating disputes for more than three years and preparing communities for the agricultural season. This locally led initiative has reduced violence and security incidents during crucial times, such as the rainy season and harvest.

However, the path to peace is tough for women. Not only do they bear the brunt of socio-political and economic hardships, they also face gender-based violence, discrimination and forced marriages—especially during times of war. Despite this insecurity and the ongoing war, women in Darfur are leading the charge to create their own solutions for peace, addressing both internal conflicts and governance issues that threaten stability in the region.

Samah Khater, a Program Manager with the MDPD, shared that they have held community dialogues and mini-conferences in collaboration with peace agents led by the Women Peace Ambassadors in six locations—three in South Darfur, two in North Darfur, and one in Zalingi in central Darfur—despite the bombing and shelling in Alfashir. “These initiatives brought together community members, leaders and stakeholders to address long-standing grievances and work toward peaceful resolutions, solidifying long-term collaboration between previously opposing groups,” said Khater.

In Tulus and Rihed Al Birdy, the Women Peace Ambassadors played a critical role in collaboration with local peace agents in shuttle diplomacy between two communities that had been in conflict for almost six years. This diplomacy helped facilitate communication, build trust and prepare both communities for more formal peace negotiations.

Women Peace Agents also worked to ensure that peace efforts were embraced by the entire community. MDPD supported the them in Tulus and Rihed Al Birdy to influence the local Hakkamat—female leaders known for their influence on tribal conflicts who have the power to call for war or peace—to choose to change their messaging from war rhetoric to peace advocacy. This was a critical step in widening local peace efforts to be further embraced by the entire community, including those traditionally involved in perpetuating conflict.

Despite the hardships, women continue to rise to the challenge, determined to shape a peaceful future for their communities. With looming starvation and an ongoing war, peacebuilding remains their priority.

In the face of adversity, women in Darfur are not just nurturing peace, they are leading it.