Sudan Democracy First Group (SDFG) was formed as an umbrella group of Sudanese independent and democratic civil society and academic actors, to serve as a think tank and venue for indigenous analysis and advocacy on peace, justice and democratic transformation in Sudan.
SDFG envisions a democratic inclusive society in Sudan where justice, equality, peace and development prevail. It considers its overall mission as promoting inclusive democracy. It is further committed to the raising up of marginalised groups by providing a platforms for inclusive and transparent engagement and promoting opportunities for participation and expression in the public sphere.
SDFG works on addressing the problem of lack of inclusive democracy through a complementary and mutli-disciplinary approach guided by values of peace, justice and development. SDFG focuses on the provision of profound and independent research and analysis; campaigning for justice and contributing to lasting solutions to conflicts in Sudan.
Governance and Accountability Program
SDFG's program area on Governance and Institutional Reform include so far two major initiatives: the Sudan Transparency Initiative and the Alternative Policy Project. The former aims at building effective, non-violent anti-corruption campaigns in Sudan to mobilize wider demand for accountability and reform on corruption issues and to enable a base for governance reforms. The latter enables them to work with political parties and experts, by bringing decision-makers to the process in order to develop a set of policies for democratic transformation.
Civic Engagement in Peace and Political Processes Program
SDFG supported several civil society groups and political parties in various initiatives. It supported them through the provision of training, capacity development and promotion of joint political platforms for a democratically transformed agenda. The aim is to bridge relations between Sudanese political and civic agencies of change, to bring civil society values into mainstream politics. Several capacity building and training exercises have been carried out in Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan since 2012.
Policy and Advocacy Program
The publishing of regular political and conflict updates, briefings, newsletters and statements through mailing lists and websites with key national and international actors in Khartoum and abroad, is rooted in SDFG's unique access to communities with decision makers, activists and think tanks, as well as Sudanese civil society. All activities under Advocacy and Policy are built on first-hand indigenous information, knowledge and analysis, aiming at providing a platform and voice for the voiceless Sudanese.
