Sudan rights group urges separation of civil society and politics

July 28, 2026 (CAIRO) – The Sudanese Group for the Defence of Rights and Freedoms on Tuesday called for a clear reorganization of institutional ties between political and civic groups in Sudan to safeguard the independence of civil society.

In a memorandum addressed to the Democratic Civil Alliance, known as Taqaddom, the group emphasized that Sudan is facing an existential crisis requiring joint efforts to end the ongoing war, ease humanitarian suffering, and restore a democratic transition.

The rights group pointed to a growing overlap between civic institutions and political actors during the transitional period following the December 2018 revolution, warning that such blending has undermined the oversight and watchdog roles of civil society.

The memo cited the Sudanese Professionals Association’s historical experience as a case study for necessary institutional review, noting that its shift from a professional and civic body to a direct political player created distinct structural challenges.

The group urged Taqaddom to prevent the co-optation of civil organizations into partisan political competition, maintaining them instead as a shared national asset dedicated to human rights and community participation.

Sadiq Ali Hasan, head of the rights group, told Sudan Tribune that Taqaddom leader Abdullah Hamdok welcomed the memo and agreed to initiate structured dialogue in the coming days to address the concerns raised.