The people of Sudan are all too familiar with war. For two decades, a brutal conflict between the North and the South killed and displaced millions. Since 2003, the people of Darfur have endured targeted attacks of their villages by government supported militia.

“This peace of ours is like a sick man in the hospital. You don’t want to say for sure that he is going to be coming home because as long as he is in the hospital and sick, he might still die.” - Sudan war widow

Four years ago, the United States helped broker the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that officially ended this conflict. Three years ago, the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) was signed, in hopes of ending the conflict. Despite an unprecedented effort by the international community to bring stability, a sustainable peace remains elusive for Sudan.

Sudan faces no shortage of significant challenges. The conflict in Darfur continues to drag on. The expulsion of 13 humanitarian organizations in March threatened to make an already alarming humanitarian situation even more desperate. Anxiety is increasing as the 2010 national election draws near. Recent skirmishes in the South surpass the level of violence in Darfur. Unexploded ordinances such as landmines and live ammunition linger and litter the land in the South.

These multi-faceted challenges require creative and comprehensive responses from the international community.. The United States needs to continue advocating for full implementation of the CPA. Further, preparations for the upcoming elections are floundering. If the U.S. fails to exert consistent political and diplomatic pressure on the Sudanese government, security prospects will remain grim. 

Churches around the country are invited to participate in a weekend of prayer and action for peace in Sudan from August 28-30.  Over the weekend, congregations are encouraged to collect and submit prayers for peace in Sudan.  Prayers should include name, congregation, and address, including zip code, and can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to the Mennonite Central Committee U.S. Washington Office.  Sign up to be involved here.  Click here for worship resources.

As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) and to reach out to those in need (1 John 3:16-17).  Together, we can lift our voices to advocate for peace and security for Sudan.