Building on the Naivasha Protocols to Establish Long-Term Peace in the Sudan

Concordis International facilitated two consultations in August 2004, to encourage inclusive dialogue on how the Naivasha Protocols may be built on to establish a peaceful future for all regions of the Sudan. Concordis International has been involved since 1999 in facilitating low-profile, inclusive research-based dialogue in support of the formal peace process and these two consultations were a continuation of that work. Participants in both consultations, who attended in their personal capacities,represented a comprehensive range of key Sudanese civil society, political and regional groups and the private sector. Participants of both consultations viewed the NaivashaProtocols not just as a limited agreement between North and South, but rather as an explicit vision for the political and constitutional future of the Sudan. They were generally positive about the Protocols, as representing the best potential for long-term peace in the Sudan. This is because the negotiating parties agreed that cessation of hostilities should be seen in the context not simply of allowing humanitarian access but of examining the causes of the war and of the widespread internal displacement of people. The participants highlighted that as Concordis International has no political agenda, it is well placed to help the peace process in Sudan.