Policy Paper: Between Aspiration and Reality: Digital Dialogue in Post-Conflict Sudan

Digital dialogues provide a space for citizens to actively engage in policymaking through apps, websites, and online forums, given that an enabling political environment exists. They are relevant for Sudan now because of the current displacement crisis, with 13 million people being displaced both within and outside Sudan (UNHCR, 2025). They also hold promise in addressing the current lack of citizen participation in governance, tokenism, and limited trust. Furthermore, digital dialogues can bridge the gap between local advocacy and actionable policy by strengthening public-civic partnerships. While significant barriers exist for their implementation in Sudan’s context due to low digital literacy, weak institutions, and high digital authoritarianism, in this paper, we argue that these platforms, if designed and implemented correctly in a post-conflict setting with political will for change and sufficient citizen trust, can gradually establish inclusive governance and democratic norms in Sudan. We advocate for Sudan's post-conflict national digital dialogue on thematic consultations and national priorities deliberation. The platform must focus on inclusivity and transparency through hybrid two-tier deployment models while stressing cautious implementation to avoid failures, as a failed attempt might have a detrimental impact on public trust.