From Forgotten to Forefront

A Call for Peace in Sudan

By Dr. Tageldin Hamad, International President, Universal Peace Federation

I write today not only as an advocate for peace, but as someone who feels a deep moral responsibility for the suffering taking place in Sudan.

Since April 2023, Sudan has been ravaged by a devastating internal conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. Former allies in a transitional government have turned their weapons on each other, and the consequences have been catastrophic. Cities such as Khartoum and El Geneina lie in ruins. Over 13 million people have been displaced; 4 million have crossed borders seeking refuge. Hospitals in Khartoum have collapsed. In El Geneina, families bury their loved ones in courtyards under the sound of gunfire. Aid trucks are looted before they reach those in need. Half the nation now faces hunger.

This is more than a humanitarian crisis — it is the collapse of a nation. And yet, the world looks away.

News cycles shift. Global priorities change. But the violence continues. We must not allow the people of Sudan to be forgotten. Every life matters — every mother without food, every child without shelter, every elder without medicine. Their suffering is not invisible. We must make it our collective concern.

This is not just a political failure; it is a deep social wound. The bonds of trust between communities — ethnic, regional, and religious — have been shattered. Ceasefires alone will not heal this. As the UN Secretary-General has urged, we need a new social contract — one built on trust, justice, and human rights. I echo and support that call.

We have seen this pain before: in Darfur, in the early 2000s; and in the events leading to South Sudan’s independence. Every time, it was the people — ordinary citizens — who paid the price. We must not allow history to repeat itself.

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The Universal Peace Federation has stood with Sudan in its pursuit of peace for many years. In 2010, our local chapters launched grassroots initiatives promoting unity, dialogue, and nonviolence — including the establishment of a Center for Peace Culture in Khartoum. In 2011, we helped bring Sudanese voices to an international forum in Vienna to explore peaceful solutions ahead of the South Sudan referendum.

At UPF, we believe that peace cannot be imposed — it must be built. It begins in families, grows across faiths, and is sustained by listening, reconciliation, and shared responsibility.

• All armed groups to stop the fighting and prioritize the protection of civilians.

• Religious leaders of all faiths to stand together and lead efforts toward reconciliation.

• Local peacebuilders, including our Ambassadors for Peace, to organize community aid, education, and dialogue.

• Governments and international institutions to back their words with action — including the delivery of food, water, medicine, and protection — and to support diplomacy that includes all communities.

In October 2020, I was honored to be invited to the signing ceremony of the Juba Peace Agreement. On behalf of UPF, I expressed our support for this important step toward ending internal conflict. I also had the privilege of presenting UPF Leadership and Good Governance Award to the President of South Sudan for his efforts in hosting and mediating the peace process.

But peace, we have learned, is not a one-time event. It is a sustained commitment.

The United Nations has taken important steps. On May 7, 2025, the UN Security Council condemned the violence in North Darfur and passed Resolution 2736, demanding the RSF end its siege of El Fasher, cease attacks on civilians, and grant full humanitarian access. The Council warned that deliberate obstruction of aid and attacks on health facilities may constitute war crimes.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the war in Sudan “a nightmare for civilians.” He added: “There is no military solution. This fighting must stop. The scale of the humanitarian needs is staggering — yet humanitarian workers face obstruction, looting, and violence.”

Most recently, on 7 July 2025, UN humanitarian officials reported: “Sudan is facing the world’s largest internal displacement crisis. More than half the population lacks access to food, clean water, and basic healthcare. The situation in El Fasher and across Darfur is deteriorating rapidly. The international community cannot look away.” We agree.

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As part of our 100-Day Campaign leading to the International Day of Peace, the Universal Peace Federation will continue to stand with Sudan. We will amplify interfaith collaboration, deliver aid, and uphold the dignity of every person affected.

On June 21, at an Audience in the Vatican, I greeted Pope Leo XIV, and asked him to pray for Sudan, His face responded positively, and kindly said, Yes.

To the people of Sudan: You are not forgotten. Your courage speaks louder than guns. And we will walk with you on the path to peace.

To every reader — policymaker, faith leader, concerned citizen I ask: Speak out. Share the truth. Urge your governments to act. Be present. Sudan needs us now not with pity, but with solidarity.

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