Sudans Working Group
Since its establishment in 2009, the Sudans Working Group (SWG) has engaged US, African, and international policymakers and stakeholders in inclusive and forward-leaning policy dialogue aimed at advancing the prospects for peace, security, and development between and within Sudan and South Sudan. The SWG serves as a space for key stakeholders to share analyses and perspectives and provide policy options for addressing critical issues related to the two countries.
Situation Update: Tensions Escalate in South Sudan
South Sudan's 2018 power-sharing agreement is under threat as tensions flare between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and members of the opposition party led by Vice President Riek Machar. The Africa Program has supported informed analysis from South Sudanese, African, and US experts since the country鈥檚 independence. Our recent work, compiled here, helps inform the current context and outlines possible paths forward to preserve South Sudan鈥檚 fragile peace.
A Bolder US Approach for Ending the War in Sudan
The civil war raging in Sudan today has created the world鈥檚 worst humanitarian crisis and triggered genocidal acts. It also poses new threats and opportunities for the United States. Here, those threats and opportunities are laid out for those evaluating what actions, if any, the United States might take in regard to the conflict in Sudan. Critically, any policy regarding Sudan should set forth clear internal guidelines regarding US interests and, therefore, what is worthwhile utilizing US power and influence to achieve or prevent.
2024 Policy Brief Series
In 2024, the Sudans Working Group (SWG) conducted a four-part discussion series designed to ensue a diverse range of Sudanese civilian voices are taken into consideration by the United States and other key external actors as they develop and implement policies regarding Sudan. Each session resulted in findings addressing a different aspect of the peace and reconciliation process, presented here as four policy briefs to restore peace and stability to Sudan.
The first discussion session focused on how to convince the leading generals to stop fighting and, in particular, what external actors might do toward that end.
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The second discussion session, held on February 22, 2024, focused on how peace and future governance negotiations can be con铿乬ured so that a diverse array of Sudanese civilian voices can be e铿ectively heard and taken into account.
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The third session focused on the issue of security sector reform (SSR).
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The fourth session focused on the recent e铿orts of civilian representatives to promote an e铿ective response to Sudan鈥檚 humanitarian crisis and charting a path toward inclusive, civilian, democratic governance of Sudan.
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Sudans Working Group Co-Chairs
Ambassador Donald E. Booth
Fmr. US Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan
Ambassador Nureldin Satti
Retired UN Senior Official; Former Ambassador of Sudan to the United States, France, Portugal, Switzerland and the Vatican
Africa Program
The Africa Program works to address the most critical issues facing Africa and US-Africa relations, build mutually beneficial US-Africa relations, and enhance knowledge and understanding about Africa in the United States. The Program achieves its mission through in-depth research and analyses, public discussion, working groups, and briefings that bring together policymakers, practitioners, and subject matter experts to analyze and offer practical options for tackling key challenges in Africa and in US-Africa relations. Read more