From 4 – 6 November 2023, DefendDefenders convened a strategic planning and well-being training for the Sudan Human Rights Defenders Coalition (SudanDefenders). The training included eight members of SudanDefenders’ Executive Committee elected in September 2023, and two members of the Board of Directors.

Among others, the three-day meeting developed the coalition’s internal policy framework, adopted a work plan for 2024, and agreed on an official structure and composition for the coalition’s executive committee.

The endorsed structure is as follows:

• Executive Director: Adam Musa
• Capacity Building Officer: Hadia Hassaballah
• Protection Officer: Salwa Hassan
• Advocacy and Documenting Officers: Mohialdeen Ismail and Rabha Ismail
• Rapporteur and Finance Officer: Bedour Zakaria
• Membership Officer: Mohamed Musa

Hassan Shire, the Executive Director and Chairperson of AfricanDefenders, reiterated DefendDefenders’ support to SudanDefenders to achieve its mission in enhancing the protection of the Sudanese human rights defenders.

Adam Musa, the Executive Director of SudanDefenders expressed gratitude to DefendDefenders and AfricanDefenders for their steadfast support for SudanDefenders, particularly after the outbreak of the latest military conflict in Sudan, in April 2023.

Majid Mali, DefendDefenders’ Sudan Project Coordinator, commended the dedication of the members of the Executive Committee towards the success of SudanDefenders, and reiterated DefendDefenders’ support towards the successful implementation of the 2024 action plan.