Two years into Sudan’s war, where is its civil society?

Based on the provided text, here's a summary of the key points and issues facing Sudanese civil society: 1. **Role and Challenges:** - Civil society groups are crucial for grassroots organizing and have played a vital role during the conflict. - They face significant challenges such as logistical hindrances, military restrictions, and a heavy personal cost for those who wish to remain neutral. 2. **Polarization:** - The political atmosphere is highly polarized, making it difficult for civil society actors to advocate for peace without being discredited or facing threats. - Both the government and RSF have weaponized war rhetoric, making independent civilian efforts challenging. 3. **Sidelining in Negotiations:** - Despite their crucial role, Sudanese civil society groups have been sidelined in negotiations about the country's future. - Those present at discussions are often people who have fled the country and may not accurately represent the current needs of those still in Sudan. 4. **Internal Fragmentation:** - Civil society is not a homogeneous entity, and internal fragmentation and lack of resources have reduced its potential impact. - It has also faced issues with public trust over the past 20 years. 5. **International Support:** - International actors have focused on short-term interventions rather than long-term strategies to support Sudanese civil society. - To have a say in future negotiations, civil society forces will need to proactively ensure their inclusion. 6. **Future Outlook:** - The conflict is seen as an attempt to obstruct Sudan's democratic transition, which looks increasingly distant despite the liberation of the capital. - There's a need for international actors to support long-term civil society development and for civil society to regain public trust and unify its efforts.