Solidarity is the key
Solidarity is the key
Press release
Sudan Forum Adopts the Motto “Unity for Peace”
Hannover. Politicians from the federal parliament, state parliament, and local government, as well as international guests, discussed the ongoing conflict in Sudan last Saturday in Hannover at the invitation of Umbaja e.V. Since April 2023, the conflict has triggered one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises and displacement situations.
“We must all commit ourselves to peace,” concluded Dr. Bakry Eljack, spokesperson for Somoud (Civil Democratic Alliance for Revolutionary Forces). The current escalation had been foreseeable, he said. Structural political deficits in the multi-ethnic state of Sudan date back to the colonial era. With the exception of a brief period of peace, the military, Islamists, and coup leaders have devastated and worn down the country, its population, and its culture.
Marina Peter, a long-standing Sudan expert and advisor, stated in her presentation: “The destruction and brutality exceed our imagination. Sexualized violence is being used as a weapon. The absolute disregard for human life and human rights by all parties to the war is terrifying.” Peter also recalled Germany’s special responsibility, noting that it was the first country to recognize Sudan in the 1950s and maintained close cooperation, as well as the partnership between the German state of Lower Saxony and Sudan in the 1980s.
Boris Mijatovic, Member of the Bundestag (Alliance 90/The Greens), highlighted the economic causes of the war. In addition to oil and gold, agriculture is also a significant factor: “Farmers must be able to sow seeds again.” Given the catastrophic supply situation, the massive cuts to humanitarian aid and development cooperation in the federal budget are a major mistake.
Martina Machulla, Member of the Lower Saxony State Parliament (CDU), likewise emphasized that international support and humanitarian assistance for Sudan must be strengthened. However, the lack of public attention to Sudan also makes it more difficult to secure funding.
Séverine Jean, Deputy Chair of the SPD Hannover, called for cross-party resolutions and actions to increase awareness and to advocate more strongly for peace in Sudan.
Maren Kaminski, Member of the Bundestag (The Left), criticized both arms exports and the German government’s partnerships with countries that are considered direct or indirect supporters of parties to the conflict. The retreat from the Supply Chain Act also represents a major setback for the protection of human rights in conflict regions.
There was strong support for the demand that perpetrators be held accountable before the International Criminal Court for their atrocities and crimes against humanity. Germany could make a significant contribution in this regard. The people of Sudan want justice.
The civilian population in Sudan and in the diaspora must also be recognized and involved as the sovereign of their country. Across all social divisions, people must unite for peace—just as the hopeful slogan “Unity for Peace” expresses.
Around 40 participants accepted the invitation to the one-day Sudan Forum at the Pavillon in Hannover. The forum concluded with a declaration of intent to establish an advocacy network in which migrants, civil society and church groups, as well as politicians, will work from Lower Saxony to support the people of Sudan.
The next date has already been set: As part of the “Day of Remembrance for Flight and Expulsion,” the Sudan conflict will take center stage on June 22, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the ZeitZentrum Zivilcourage in Hannover.
Background:
The organizers of the Sudan Forum aim to raise awareness of a forgotten and overlooked global tragedy. At both the political and civil society levels, Germany bears an important role and responsibility to work together with the people of Sudan and the Sudanese diaspora in Germany to promote peace, democracy, and human rights.
 Organizer |  Cooperation Partner |  Cooperation Partner & Co-Organizer |
|---|---|---|
 Cooperation Partner & Co-Organizer |  Cooperation Partner & Co-Organizer |  Co-Organizer |
 Cooperation Partner & Co-Organizer |  Funder |  Co-Funder |
Umbaya Celebrates 10th Anniversary by
Honoring distinguished Women in Hannover
On December 6, 2025, Umbaja e.V. celebrated its 10th anniversary at the Stadtteilzentrum Stöcken in Hannover with the special ceremony “The Future Is a Woman.” The event brought together activists, community leaders, educators, artists, and guests from the Sudanese and German communities to honor sixteen outstanding Sudanese women and partner organizations for their leadership, resilience, and dedication to social justice.
The ceremony highlighted the powerful role of women in peacebuilding, integration, and community development, particularly in the context of displacement and the ongoing crisis in Sudan. Through inspiring speeches, cultural contributions, and heartfelt tributes, the event underscored a shared message: empowering women strengthens communities and builds a more just and hopeful future.
Press Release
October 26, 2025
Umbaja (Germany), Somero Development Initiative (Uganda) and Young and Lonely Foundation (Ghana) Unite for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security
In a landmark virtual meeting on October 26, 2025, three dynamic NGOs — Umbaja e.V. (Germany), Somero Development Initiative (Uganda), and the Young and Lonely Foundation (Ghana) — announced a joint vision to mobilize communities across the Global North and South in advancing sustainable agricultural solutions for food security and environmental protection.
Recognizing that climate change, hunger, and environmental degradation threaten livelihoods worldwide, the three organizations have agreed to work together under a shared mission: to empower local communities through education, agroecology, and collaboration. Their partnership bridges continents, combining Umbaja’s expertise in global education and advocacy, Somero Uganda’s deep community roots, and Young and Lonely Foundation’s strong focus on youth, women, and environmental sustainability.
The alliance will focus on:
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Community Mobilization: Engaging farmers, youth, and women in sustainable farming and agroforestry initiatives.
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Knowledge Exchange: Creating cross-continental learning platforms to share best practices and local innovations.
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Pilot Demonstrations: Establishing model farms in Uganda and Ghana, supported by capacity-building from Germany.
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Public Awareness & Policy Advocacy: Amplifying local voices in global debates on food systems and climate resilience.
Together, these three organizations call on governments, donors, civil society, and communities worldwide, in particular in Germany, Ghana and Uganda, to intensify efforts toward resilient food systems, equitable resource use, and environmental stewardship.
This collaboration marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to shared learning, mutual empowerment, and sustainable development, reminding the world that food security is a shared responsibility — and a shared opportunity for transformation.
Message from Mrs. Filiz Polat, Member of the German Bundestag
Umbaja e. V. received a thoughtful and encouraging message from Mrs. Filiz Polat (Member of the Bundestag, Parliamentary Managing Director of the Green Party) in response to our communication regarding the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
In her letter, Mrs. Polat emphasized the urgent need to stop the severe humanitarian catastrophe that continues to unfold in Sudan. She stressed that hunger and mass displacement must come to an end and that the international community cannot remain passive in the face of such suffering.
Mrs. Polat reaffirmed that Bündnis 90/Die Grünen strongly support deepened cooperation with the Sudanese opposition and civil society, as well as the support of Sudanese refugees in Germany. She highlighted that her party is already in close contact with both Sudanese civil society actors on the ground and members of the Sudanese diaspora in Berlin. Their shared goal is to raise awareness within the Bundestag about the humanitarian emergency in Sudan.
She further noted that the Greens have successfully brought the issue of Sudan onto the agenda of the Bundestag’s Committee on Foreign Affairs and continue to advocate for strengthened humanitarian aid within the federal budget process. In particular, Mrs. Polat called for the recognition and support of local humanitarian structures, such as the Emergency Response Rooms, which play a vital role in saving lives in conflict-affected areas.
Mrs. Polat concluded her message by expressing sincere gratitude for Umbaja e. V.’s ongoing commitment and efforts to support Sudanese communities and raise awareness about the crisis.
Umbaya Economic Forum 2025: Bridging the Gap Between State and Citizens’ Economies — Changing Mindsets and the Necessity of Transformation Toward a Youth- and Innovation-Driven Economy
On the evening of Saturday, October 18, 2025, the Umbaya Economic Forum 2025 was held from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, Online via ZOOM, with the participation of a distinguished group of experts and youth leaders from Sudan, several African countries, and other nations around the world. The forum aimed to discuss issues of sustainable development, youth empowerment, and economic institutional reform.
During the forum, several prominent figures presented bold and forward-looking ideas:
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Dr. Bashir Omar discussed the importance of institutional innovation through his experiences with the Sudan Platform for Agriculture and Food Security, emphasizing the need to monitor success indicators and ensure accountability.
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Dr. Ibrahim Elbadawi stressed the significance of the concept of “economic legitimacy” and presented a vision for reforming financial institutions and integrating Sudanese expatriates into the process of economic reconstruction.
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Ms. Abigail Darkwah spoke about empowering women in the agri-business sector and the challenges of financing and training.
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Mr. Kingsley Otoo called for making agriculture a modern, technology-based field that attracts young people.
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Ms. Alaa Ismail introduced the concept of a “peace economy” and highlighted the role of education in building reconciled communities after conflicts.
The forum served as a distinguished platform for dialogue on the future of development in Africa, reaffirming that youth, women, and expatriates are the true driving forces of sustainable economic transformation.
Umbaya Economic Forum 2025
UMBAYA e.V. Marks
10 Years of Courage and Solidarity
Hanover-based organization UMBAYA e.V. celebrates its 10th anniversary, highlighting a decade of advocacy, education, and grassroots empowerment. Founded in 2015 out of the Refugees Protest Camp in Hanover, UMBAYA has led initiatives such as the Voices of Sudan Campaign, the Umbaya Economic Forum, and the Kaschta Café. Upcoming events include the Umbaya Economic Forum 2025 (online, October 18) and the launch of The Future Is a Woman campaign (December 6, Hannover).
Voices of Sudan
Hanover’s Mayor Supports
“Voices of Sudan” Campaign
Hanover’s Mayor Belit Onay has expressed his support for the “Voices of Sudan” initiative in an email to the association Umbaja e.V.. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the dramatic situation in Sudan, where millions of people – especially women and children – are suffering from violence, insecurity, and humanitarian crises.
“In a world of increasing geopolitical tensions and growing conflicts, it is essential to raise public awareness of the dire situation in Sudan and to mobilize more political, social, and financial support,” Onay emphasized.
He praised Umbaja e.V.’s commitment and stressed the importance of international solidarity in light of the humanitarian crisis.
The “Voices of Sudan” initiative seeks to draw attention to the plight of those affected and to mobilize sustainable support within Germany and across Europe.
Umbaja and GAAKT in Germany urge the federal government to act decisively amid Sudan’s humanitarian crisis. They call for emergency aid, political sanctions, and support for refugees and democratic forces. The appeal targets parliament and ministries, demanding solidarity and concrete action to address the catastrophe.
Member of Parliament Adis Ahmetović Supports UMBAJA e.V. Campaign
With strong words, SPD Member of Parliament Adis Ahmetović has expressed his support for the campaign “Voices of Sudan”, initiated by UMBAJA e.V. In a letter to the organisation’s chairperson, Saeed Maissara, Ahmetović praised the commitment of the initiative and underlined the pressing need for international aid for the Sudanese population devastated by war.
“The situation in Sudan is dramatic and requires our full political and social attention,” said the Foreign Policy Spokesperson of the SPD parliamentary group. According to CARE, 24.6 million people – more than half of the population – are currently acutely threatened by hunger, including 3.7 million children suffering from severe malnutrition. Yet, only twelve percent of the required resources for food aid are currently secured.
Ahmetović stressed that the international community must no longer remain inactive in the face of this humanitarian catastrophe. It is the joint responsibility of politics and civil society to ensure both reliable financing of aid measures and the strengthening of local initiatives.
The campaign “Voices of Sudan”, launched by UMBAJA e.V., pursues precisely this goal: giving those affected a voice and making the suffering of the civilian population visible. “I thank you for giving those affected a platform with the campaign and for bringing the issue to the public,” wrote Ahmetović. He announced that he would also bring the issue more strongly into focus in the Bundestag – as a “matter of humanity.”
For UMBAJA e.V., the support of the Member of Parliament is an important signal. The association has been committed for years to social dialogue, international solidarity, and raising awareness for crises that too often receive too little global attention.
The campaign “Voices of Sudan” makes one thing clear: Behind the stark numbers lie millions of fates – families struggling every day to survive, children whose future is overshadowed by hunger and hardship. Making their voices heard is not only the task of politics but a moral obligation for society as a whole.
Press Conference in Hanover: “Voices of Sudan” Call for International Attention and Action
Hanover, August 18, 2025 – Under the title “Voices of Sudan”, representatives of the Sudanese diaspora and civil society organizations held a moving press conference today at the Pavillon Cultural Center in Hanover. Their goal: to bring the forgotten humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan into public awareness and to urge the German and international community to take action. Read more
"VOICES OF SUDAN" : A campaign by Umbaja
Freedom. peace. justice.
Sudan is calling – we are responding!
More than 30 million people in Sudan urgently need help. Hunger, war, displacement, and violence threaten their lives every day. Over 12 million people are displaced within their own country. Thousands of Sudanese are seeking refuge in Germany.
And yet they continue to fight – for democracy, justice, and peace.
HOW UMBAJA HELPS:
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Emergency aid for refugees in Sudan, Chad, Egypt, and Uganda
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Support for Sudanese refugees in Germany
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Empowerment of women, youth, and activists
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Education and democracy work locally and in the diaspora
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Combating terrorism, extremism and racism