ACCORD’s Peacemaking Unit hosted a three day Exploratory Dialogue Forum for Northern Sudanese Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). The Dialogue took place from 26-28 October 2009 at Burgers Park Hotel in Pretoria. Participants at the forum were prominent academics and civil society actors who have been involved in peacemaking interventions in all regions of Sudan.
The forum aimed to understand the perspectives of northern Sudanese CSOs on the various challenges in Sudan, and to explore mechanisms of interaction between CSOs from northern Sudan. The forum further aimed to explore and understand the grassroots based dialogue processes that have been taking place in the northern part of Sudan and how these related to the national conflicts. The role of ACCORD in contributing to dialogue and peacemaking processes was also explored. In addition, the forum aimed to enhance ACCORD’s knowledge of issues, actors and facilitators in peacemaking interventions within the various regions of Sudan.
The forum was officially opened by the former South African Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Aziz Pahad, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan to South Africa, H.E. Ambassador Dr. AlSharif, and officially closed by ACCORD Trustee H.E. Ambassador Billy Modise.
ACCORD’s Peacemaking Unit will continue to engage with all actors on peacemaking processes in Sudan.
