The Truth Perspective: Ashwaq and Best Friend… When Civil Society Fills the Void
Ibrahim Shglawi
As Sudan edges closer to emerging from the war phase, attention is turning toward the political and developmental process of rebuilding a state whose institutions have proven deeply fragile. In this context, civil society is emerging as a vital actor in bridging the institutional void and offering effective alternatives to promote stability, restore peace, and avoid scenarios of chaos.
Civil society organizations are stepping forward as key players in the process of reconstructing both the state and society, particularly amid the absence of central government in some regions, due to depleted resources and infrastructure weakened by war.
In this light, the field return of Best Friend Charity Association and Ashwaq for Development Organization to the capital, Khartoum, marks a qualitative shift in volunteer work—blending moral duty with administrative organization. This promising comeback signals the revival of civil society’s role in mending the national and social fabric, and in promoting values of participation in a society long known for its “Nafeer” culture, where communities mobilize collectively in times of hardship—whether for individuals or whole communities.
Best Friend Association marked its return with a consultative gathering of its members returning from abroad, reaffirming its humanitarian and social commitment to vulnerable groups. Notably, the association had previously organized World Down Syndrome Day in cooperation with the International Center for Child Development—an initiative highlighting the organization’s awareness that volunteerism must go beyond emergency relief to include building an inclusive social culture that respects diversity and promotes social justice.
In parallel, Ashwaq for Development presented a comprehensive vision for the voluntary return of displaced persons through an analytical paper addressing the security, economic, political, and institutional challenges that hinder such returns. The paper—which the writer obtained—stressed that a dignified and safe return cannot happen without rebuilding societal trust, restoring essential services, and crafting economic solutions tailored to affected families. It also called for the activation of a tripartite partnership between the state, civil society, and the private sector—what it termed “institutional national nafeer”—a concept that redefines the relationship between citizens and the state on new participatory foundations.
Comparable regional experiences offer models worth emulating in Sudan. In Lebanon, following the civil war, civil society organizations played a central role in filling the state vacuum, providing essential services through partnerships with the European Union and UN agencies. In Yemen, local organizations led relief and rehabilitation efforts amid state collapse, relying on Gulf and international support, and decentralized interventions that strengthened local community resilience. These examples are united by three factors: a clear vision, local decision-making autonomy, and the ability to build balanced external partnerships without compromising national sovereignty.
Amid these active movements, a pressing question arises: Where is the Sudanese Red Crescent? As the entity expected to lead relief and reconstruction efforts—given its long history and international status—its absence during this critical time calls for serious inquiry: is it due to internal governance and funding issues? Or political and administrative polarization? Likewise, there is a noticeable absence of other national organizations such as the National Volunteer Network, the Sudanese Council of Voluntary Organizations (SCOVA), and the Civil Society Organizations Coalition—highlighting the structural weakness of national institutions that should have formed the backbone of humanitarian and developmental responses.
Given that General Al-Sadiq Ismail, Advisor to the Sovereign Council on Humanitarian Affairs and Civil Society, is known for his interest in this file, we hope that promising national initiatives such as Ashwaq for Development and Best Friend receive the attention and support they deserve. Equally important is the need to reassess the status of prominent national organizations that remain outside the sphere of action, empowering them to fulfill their rightful role in this critical phase.
From our perspective at #TheTruth, the fundamental challenge facing Sudan today is not only about post-war recovery, but about rebuilding a system of governance that reconnects the state to society through effective and sustainable channels. Organizations like Best Friend and Ashwaq for Development provide inspiring models for restoring that bond—through grassroots initiatives and collaborative work with official institutions and international partners. The success of such experiences will undoubtedly contribute to shaping a more stable future and reestablish civil society as a principal partner in development, peacebuilding, and national recovery.
Wishing you health and wellbeing,
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
📧 Shglawi55@gmail.com