Outreach to Darfuri Arab and Nomadic Tribes

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I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThe Office of the U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan is pleased to announce an open competition for a Arab Outreach in Darfur program. U.S. and international non-profit/non-governmental organizations may submit proposals to manage a one-year project to encourage Arab communities in Darfur. The means for achieving this objective include mapping and assessing current NGO capacity, providing training and other services to develop Darfuri NGOs, and establishing a formal network of developed Darfuri to facilitate partnerships with the international community and donors. The Office of the Special Envoy will award $300,000 for a one-year long project (with possible extensions). The grantee should work closely with the Office of the Special Envoy throughout the grant period. II. BACKGROUND Sudan is the Administration’s highest foreign policy priority in Africa. The U.S. is committed to full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and achieving a comprehensive and durable resolution to the conflict in Darfur.An enduring peace for the people of Darfur remains elusive. Despite the signing of the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) in 2006. While there are fewer violent deaths in Darfur today than during the high period of fighting in 2003-2004, the armed movements have splintered and the sources of violence have multiplied. Signed by only one armed movement, the DPA lost significant support among the people of Darfur and faced further criticism for not including Darfuri Arabs and civil society groups in the negotiating process. In particular, the Arab and nomadic tribes of Darfur remain outside the formal peace process which leaves them vulnerable to manipulation and further arming by the Government of Sudan (GOS). The grievances of these communities remain unaddressed by the GOS and access to resources continues to be limited. International aid institutions confirm that Arab communities have received a much smaller proportion of international assistance that communities in the rest of Darfur, an issue that provides further tensions between Darfuri communities and that provides the potential for future inter-ethnic conflict. Funding Priorities The U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan seeks to fund a non-profit/non-governmental organization with prior experience in similar projects. In-kind financial contributions will be favorably considered.

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