THE PACT AND THE PLIGHT OF SUDAN’S CONFLICTS

(23 June 2023) The Great Lakes Pact is a sub-regional mechanism that aims to promote peace, security and stability in the Great Lakes region in Africa. The Pact which was signed in 2013, aims to address the root causes of the conflicts in affected members like Sudan and to promote peace and stability in the region.

Since it’s signing, there have been some positive developments in Sudan which has been plagued by conflicts for decades. The government and the rebels have signed a peace agreement, which has led to cessation of violence in some parts of the country. The pact has also created a framework for regional cooperation, which is essential for addressing the complex challenges facing the region. However, much more needs to be done to ensure lasting peace in Sudan.

The implementation of the peace agreement has been slow, and there are still areas of the country where violence persists. The hurdles facing Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Organizations whose main vision is with refugees cannot be overstated especially with the endemic wars in the country. Mental health and psychosocial needs amongst displaced communities, including returnees remain elevated and the local authorities and humanitarian community lack resources to adequately address the vast nature of these needs. The aftermath of civil instabilities on refugees adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging humanitarian situation in Sudan. Almost 16 million people were estimated to be in need of humanitarian assistance in 2023 before the feud for control of the capital Khartoum started.

The most glaring impact of the conflict beyond the borders of Sudan on the Great Lakes Region has been on the commercial side, as there has been disruption of existing trade and supply chains, exacerbating inflation, creating increased hardship for the most vulnerable host communities, a situation that could fuel tensions between the countries and destabilize the whole region. The objectives of the pact should not be ignored in deterring such effects if indeed they have a common vision.

One way that Sudan can benefit from the Great Lakes Pact is through the establishment of a joint verification mechanism that monitors the implementation of peace agreements. This mechanism can help to ensure that all parties to the conflict are meeting their commitments and can help to prevent any violations that could lead to renewed violence. In addition, the Great Lakes Pact has established a regional framework for addressing humanitarian crises. This framework includes the establishment of a regional emergency fund to provide rapid and coordinated responses to crises. Sudan can benefit from this mechanism by receiving timely and coordinated humanitarian assistance and intervention in times of crisis.

The Pact also includes provisions for promoting accountability and addressing human rights abuses. It creates a framework for regional cooperation in the fight against impunity and for the promotion of justice. Sudan can benefit from this mechanism by working with other member states to hold perpetrators of human rights abuses accountable and to promote justice to victims.

In conclusion, the pact is a step in the right direction. It has created a framework for regional cooperation and contributed to some positive developments in Sudan. However, much more needs to be done to ensure lasting peace in the country and the region as a whole. The international community must continue to support the efforts of the Great Lakes region countries and the people of Sudan to address the root causes of the conflict and build a peaceful and prosperous future for all.

For more information, contact Mossaad Mohammed Ali at mossaad.ali@acjps.org