Statement on the International Day of Peace | 21 September 2026

On the International Day of Peace, the African Council of Religious Leaders – Religions for Peace (ACRL-RfP) joins Religious Leaders, Women of Faith and Interfaith Youth from across Africa in standing in solidarity with the people of Sudan.

More than three years into the conflict, Sudan continues to face a devastating humanitarian and human toll. Children are being killed, injured and displaced; families are separated from their homes; women and girls face heightened risks of violence; and communities continue to endure hunger, insecurity and disruption to essential services.

Against this backdrop, ACRL-RfP and faith actors across Africa are raising a united call for peace, civilian protection, humanitarian access and an inclusive, Sudanese-owned and Sudanese-led pathway towards peace.

The joint statement calls upon all parties to the conflict and all those with influence to place the lives, dignity and future of the Sudanese people above the continuation of war. It also emphasizes the important role of religious leaders, faith communities, women and young people in strengthening social cohesion, supporting dialogue and contributing to peacebuilding and reconciliation.

The statement calls for:

• An immediate cessation of hostilities and renewed commitment to dialogue;
• Full respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians;
• Safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access;
• Protection of children from violence, recruitment and exploitation;
• Safe access to education and psychosocial support for children;
• Meaningful participation of women and young people in peacebuilding;
• An end to hate speech, discrimination and incitement to violence; and
• Sustained support for an inclusive, Sudanese-owned and Sudanese-led pathway to peace.

Sudan must not be forgotten, and its people must not be left to carry the burden of this conflict alone.

As faith communities, we reaffirm the shared responsibility to protect life, uphold human dignity, reject hatred and violence, and work towards peace, reconciliation and a future in which communities can heal and flourish.

Let the guns fall silent.
Let humanitarian assistance reach those in need.
Let children return to learning.
Let families find safety.
Let communities begin to heal.
Let hope return to Sudan.

Read the Full Statement

The full statement is available for download below.

Issued on the International Day of Peace, 21 September 2026.

African Council of Religious Leaders – Religions for Peace (ACRL-RfP)
In solidarity with Religious Leaders and the People of Sudan