Sudanese Civil Society .. Between the Contagion of Politics, the Wound of Division, and the Hope of

12:57 PM September, 16 2025

Sudanese Online
محمد عبدالله ابراهيم-الخرطوم-السودان
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By: Mohammed Abdullah

mailto:[email protected]@gmil.com

In this article, we seek to dive deep into these problems and explore how the diseases of the political sphere infected the body of civil society, making its problems more complex and deeply rooted. While the political community is indeed part of the broader civil society, the civil society referred to here is the free civil society, unbound by political ideologies, and not affiliated with or subordinate to political parties or groups. We will also shed light on the situation in East Africa-particularly Uganda-as a painful case study, analyze the causes of this decline, and conclude with essential observations and recommendations, not as superficial solutions, but as a call for radical reform that restores the spirit of Sudanese civil society and reclaims its leading role in building a new Sudan founded on justice, democracy, and human dignity.



Amid the turbulent transformations sweeping Sudan, civil society-which has long been a beacon of hope and a shield for the oppressed-now stands before real challenges that may lead it to an existential crossroads. After decades of continuous struggle, which contributed to shaping national consciousness, driving change, and resisting authoritarian regimes, culminating in its pivotal role in the glorious December Revolution of 2018, this vital entity now finds itself surrounded by internal and external challenges that threaten its essence and its future. These are not just passing challenges, but deep-rooted illnesses, cancers that have struck its fabric, making it a true mirror reflecting-and even worsening-the ills of the political sphere that has failed to resolve its recurring crises, and in turn has increased the complexity of Sudan’s situation and the inability to address the historical roots of the crisis that caused the state’s persistent failure.



At its core, Sudanese civil society has been an expression of the people’s free will and their aspirations to build a state of freedom, peace, justice, and equal citizenship without discrimination. However, with every political crisis, every democratic setback, and every armed conflict, the gap widens between what this society should be and what it actually is. What we witness today, especially in its gatherings outside the homeland-for example, in East Africa-is nothing but a painful embodiment of the same diseases that have ravaged the country and its people. Instead of being a safe refuge and a space for construction and solidarity, it has turned into an arena where narrow interests clash, ethnic and geographical blocs infiltrate, and malicious tactics are practiced that have nothing to do with the noble human values it is supposed to represent. It is a tragedy when those who are meant to be the voice of conscience become part of the problem-and sometimes even a source of it.



Civil Society .. From Voice of Conscience to Arena of Polarization



Civil society has always been the safety valve of any nation, the beating conscience of its people, and the free space through which nations breathe their hopes and aspirations. In Sudan, it was no different. From the dawn of independence to the glorious December Revolution of 2018, civil society in its various forms-professional unions, charitable associations, human rights organizations, youth initiatives, and more-was the incubator of the nation’s concerns, defender of citizens’ rights, opponent of tyranny, and seeker of a more just and democratic society.



But, as the popular proverb says: if the head is rotten, the whole-body decays. The Sudanese political sphere, long plagued by chronic illnesses of polarization, corruption, the absence of a unifying national vision, and the inability to address the roots of crises, cast its dark shadows over every component of the state and society. Civil society did not escape this contagion.



Excessive politicization is the gravest disease that has struck Sudanese civil society. Instead of being an independent body monitoring political performance, holding it accountable, and providing alternatives and visions, it became itself an arena for political conflicts and a theater for narrow party and organizational blocs. The sharp polarization and conflicts among parties and political groups-especially the warring parties-have infiltrated the fabric of civil society and its organizations, tearing it apart and distorting its reputation and independence. The supreme goal is no longer serving the causes of the nation and its people, but partisan and regional loyalties have become the driving force for many organizations. This political penetration has emptied civil society of its true substance and turned it into nothing more than a tool in the hands of political forces, thereby losing its credibility and its ability to positively influence.



The failure of the political sphere to address the roots of Sudan’s problems and crises and to produce a unifying national project that could bring the country to safety was not merely a political failure, but a moral and human one. This failure directly reflected on civil society and its organizations, which were supposed to be the driving force toward reform. Instead of being a stronghold against the illnesses of politics and politicians, it too became afflicted-and sometimes even worsened them. The inability of parties to create a political project that embraces and respects Sudan’s diversity, the absence of internal democratic practice within them, and the lack of real mechanisms of accountability and transparency left these parties themselves in desperate need of reform before anything else. And when political role models are sick, it is only natural for these diseases to spread to other bodies, including civil society, which now suffers from the same structural imbalances that plague the political arena.

A Mirror of Sudanese Division in Exile



East Africa, and especially Kampala, the capital of Uganda, has become a refuge for many Sudanese who fled the horrors of war and conflict. With them came Sudanese civil society organizations, which were expected to be a support and lifeline for the Sudanese people in this devastating and senseless war-particularly for refugees-and to represent their voices at regional and international forums. Yet what is happening in Kampala is, unfortunately, shocking and disheartening. Instead of being a model of noble humanitarian work, these organizations became hotspots of unethical and inhumane challenges and practices, where the diseases of the political sphere grew even more complex and entrenched.



For some time, I have been following with deep regret the problems afflicting components of civil society and its organizations. These were not merely differences of opinion, but rather malicious maneuvers and tactics, riddled with mutual accusations and behaviors that neither resemble civil society nor humanity in any sense. Civil work-which should be purely for the sake of humanity-was transformed into an arena for score-settling, fueling conflicts, and entrenching divisions. This malicious conduct has shrunk civil society into cliques and ethnic or geographical blocs, stripping it of its unity and effectiveness.



In the face of sharp polarization from parties and political groups-especially the warring factions in Sudan-civil society was supposed to be the safe haven to bring together the scattered, unite ranks, and work to alleviate suffering. But sadly, it too became afflicted with the same divisions ravaging the political arena-divisions that significantly contributed to Sudan’s slide into full-scale war, disintegration, and collapse, as we see today.



This polarization is, first and foremost, not even in the interest of the political parties and groups themselves, who should have been more invested in the recovery, safety, and independence of Sudanese civil society. A strong and independent civil society is a key partner in building democracy, promoting human rights, and achieving sustainable development. But the practices we witness today benefit no one-not political parties or groups, not civil society itself, and certainly not our country, groaning under the weight of a war caused primarily by the failure of the political sphere to address the roots of Sudan’s crises and to produce a unifying national project to lead the country to safety.



What worsens the situation among Sudanese civil society organizations in East Africa, especially Kampala, is the deep weakness across all aspects of their work. Most organizations there are narrow regional or family-based entities, lacking proper institutional structures and suffering from deep structural imbalances, desperately in need of comprehensive reform. The proliferation of organizations is itself clear evidence of dysfunction in this vital sector, with every individual or group establishing their own organization-particularly among youth groups, who are supposed to be the leaders of tomorrow and the agents of the desired change. There are dozens of bodies under the label of youth groups. Despite sharing principles and goals, they are incapable of coordination or communication among themselves, even unable to organize a single joint activity.



Worse still, many working in this vital humanitarian sector view civil society as a source of livelihood and a money-making opportunity rather than as a humanitarian and national mission. This shift in perspective has stripped civil work of its noble meaning and turned it into a mere vehicle for personal gain, undermining credibility and reducing the ability of organizations to make a real positive impact in the lives of Sudanese-especially refugees in Uganda, who endure dire economic conditions, limited access to education and employment, and the suspension of support from international organizations.



Even more regrettably, the “older” civil society organizations-those with influence, wide networks, substantial financial and human resources, and rich experience-have completely failed to guide emerging organizations, support them through training, capacity building, and instilling proper values and principles. Instead, some of them practice unethical and inhumane behavior toward newer organizations. Rather than helping them rise and grow, they deliberately put obstacles in their way, manipulate aid flows, monopolize partnerships and decision-making. I have evidence of this. These practices contradict fundamental humanitarian principles of neutrality, integrity, and independence, undermine trust, and strip humanitarian work of its noble essence. Civil work requires ethics, humility, solidarity, and joint effort from all.


Radical Reform .. Towards an Independent and Effective Civil Society



The current situation of Sudanese civil society, whether at home or in exile, sounds an alarm and calls for a serious stand and comprehensive review. If we want this vital entity to reclaim its pioneering role and to be a driving force for positive change, radical reforms are necessary-not limited to treating symptoms but aimed at uprooting the deep-rooted diseases. In this context, I offer the following observations and recommendations, inspired by the spirit of humanity that must govern the work of civil society and its organizations:

Independence of Civil Society .. Immunity Beyond Compromise
Civil society must be an independent entity, free from any political or partisan allegiance or polarization. This requires complete detachment from parties and political groups, with a focus solely on humanitarian and developmental objectives. Independent decision-making and financing are the cornerstone of building a strong and impactful civil society. Loyalty must be to the nation and its people, not to individuals or political entities. While every individual in the humanitarian civil sector has the right to political affiliation, they have no right to drag civil work into political activity or use it to promote political agendas. There must be a complete separation between partisan political work and humanitarian civil work, with full ethical commitment to the principles and values of civil work. Where conflicts arise, the principles of humanitarian civil work must prevail.

Transparency and Accountability .. A Shield Against Corruption and Mismanagement
Civil society cannot thrive without transparency and accountability. Mechanisms for financial and administrative transparency must be strengthened, with clear standards for internal and external accountability. This includes publishing regular financial and administrative reports, making them accessible to the public, and activating oversight boards. Transparency is the essential guarantee for building trust between organizations and society, and between them and donors.

Capacity Building .. Investment in Human Capital
Many civil society organizations suffer from weak professional and administrative competencies. Investment in capacity building is essential-through continuous training, workshops, and professional development programs. This includes developing leadership, management, strategic planning, fundraising, project writing, communication, etc. Competence is the key to effectiveness and impact.

Diversity and Inclusivity .. A Bridge Linking All Strands of Society
Civil society must go beyond narrow ethnic and geographical blocs and be a true representative of all segments of Sudanese society. This requires adopting policies and programs that promote diversity and inclusivity, ensuring the participation of all groups, including youth, women, minorities, and the marginalized. Unity in diversity is the secret strength of civil society.

Focus on Core Issues .. The Compass of Humanitarian Work
Efforts must be redirected toward addressing the root humanitarian and developmental problems in Sudan, rather than becoming entangled in political conflicts. These include education, health, water, food, human rights, peacebuilding, and social reconciliation. Focusing on such core issues will restore the credibility and true role of civil society.

Coordination and Cooperation .. The Power of Collective Action
Coordination and cooperation between organizations must be strengthened, whether inside Sudan or in exile. This requires creating platforms for communication, sharing experiences, and unifying efforts and resources to achieve common goals. Joint work is the only way to face Sudan’s immense challenges.

The Oversight Role .. Guardian of Democratic Values
Civil society must activate its role in monitoring political and governmental performance, offering constructive criticism, and demanding accountability. This oversight role is fundamental for building democracy, protecting citizens’ rights, and ensuring good governance. Civil society must be the voice of the voiceless, and a shield protecting democratic and human values.

Conclusion .. A Chance for Renewal



The crisis facing Sudanese civil society-both inside the country and in exile-is not the end of the road, but rather an urgent call for rethinking, self-review, and embarking on a new dawn. It is an opportunity to rebuild this vital entity on firm foundations of independence, transparency, inclusivity, and a focus on the core issues that serve humanity and the nation.



Sudan, crushed under the weight of war and destruction, desperately needs a strong, active, and independent civil society capable of uniting the dispersed, healing wounds, and building bridges of hope. A civil society that transcends narrow divisions, rises above personal interests, and raises the banner of humanity above all else-a civil society that is a voice for truth, a shield for the oppressed, and a driving force toward peace, justice, and sustainable development.



The road to recovery is not easy, but it is not impossible. It requires genuine will for change, steadfast commitment to noble human values, diligent work, and sincere cooperation among all actors. With its rich history and the energy of its youth and women, Sudanese civil society can overcome this ordeal and rise again, becoming a cornerstone in building tomorrow’s Sudan-a Sudan of peace, prosperity, and human dignity.



It is a call to work together, in a spirit of optimism, to restore the luster of Sudanese civil society and enable it to fulfill its lofty mission of serving humanity and the homeland.

Arabic Forum