Entebbe Dialogue with Canadian Officials: Sudanese Voices for Peace and Relief
In Entebbe, Sudanese civil society, women, and youth leaders shared urgent stories of suffering, resilience, and hope with Canadian officials, highlighting hunger, displacement, and obstacles to delivering vital aid. The dialogue emphasized the critical role of international support, humanitarian access, and local advocacy. Canada’s commitment to solidarity, relief, and peacebuilding was reaffirmed, sending a powerful message: the voices of Sudanese civilians must guide urgent action to protect lives and foster lasting stability.
On December 2-3, 2024, the city of Entebbe, Uganda, became a vital hub for dialogue on the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Representatives from Sudanese civil society organizations, women’s groups, political and youth leaders came together with Canadian officials, Mr. Pierric Le Dorze and Mr. Barry Parkernson from the Canadian Embassy, to share the realities of life for millions affected by the ongoing war that began on April 15, 2023.
The meeting, coordinated by the Nubian Center for Peace and Democracy, was far more than a formal gathering. It served as a humanitarian space where Sudanese voices were heard with honesty and urgency, sharing powerful stories of suffering, resilience, and an unwavering hope for a brighter future. Women spoke about the unique hardships they face, the vulnerabilities of children were highlighted, and the ongoing challenges of delivering essential humanitarian aid were made clear.
Humanitarian Urgency at the Forefront
Participants painted a vivid picture of a population in crisis. Refugees and displaced families are struggling with hunger, limited access to medicine, and insecurity. The discussion underscored the need for urgent protection measures, psychosocial support for survivors, and safe channels to deliver food, medicine, and other essential aid.
The participants stressed the importance of cooperation between Sudanese groups in the diaspora and international organizations to mitigate the suffering of vulnerable populations, emphasizing the unique role local communities can play in advocating for urgent and sustainable solutions.
Calls for International Action
The dialogue highlighted the need for international support and advocacy, particularly through Canada’s influence in global forums. Participants called on the Canadian government to intensify efforts to address the war, scale up humanitarian assistance, and support initiatives aimed at peacebuilding, empowering women and youth, and alleviating human suffering.
Canada’s Solidarity with Sudan
In response, Mr. Le Dorze and Mr. Parkernson reaffirmed Canada’s strong solidarity with the Sudanese people during this difficult period, emphasizing that Canada stands with communities affected by the conflict, supports ongoing efforts to provide humanitarian relief and assistance, encourages initiatives aimed at ending the war and promoting political dialogue, and values programs that empower women and youth while fostering peace, stability, and resilience across Sudan.
Participants expressed deep gratitude to the Canadian officials and the government for their continued support and encouragement, noting that international partnerships are essential to turning dialogue into action for the people of Sudan.
Nubian Center for Peace and Democracy
December 4, 2024,
