Dr. Adeeb Yousif
Peacebuilding ExpertFormer Governor
Distinguished human rights activist and peacebuilding expert with over two decades of experience in conflict resolution, humanitarian advocacy, and governance in Sudan. Holds a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University.
Professional Summary
Dr. Adeeb Yousif (Adeeb Abdel Rahman Youssef), born circa 1975, is a Sudanese human rights activist who began documenting Darfur atrocities in 2003. He was imprisoned and tortured for his human rights work, yet persisted in his mission to document abuses and seek justice for victims. He earned a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University, and later served as Governor of Central Darfur State from July 2020 until his removal following the October 2021 military coup.
Throughout his career, Dr. Yousif has dedicated himself to peacebuilding, reconciliation, and the documentation of human rights violations in Darfur. His work has brought international attention to the crisis in the region and has contributed significantly to efforts seeking justice and accountability for the victims of conflict.
Biography
Dr. Adeeb Yousif is a prominent Sudanese human rights activist whose journey began when he started documenting atrocities in Darfur in 2003. Despite facing imprisonment and torture for his advocacy work, he remained steadfast in his commitment to justice and peace.
His academic journey led him to the United States, where he earned his Master's degree in International Studies from the University of San Francisco and subsequently his Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University. His doctoral dissertation, "Fragmentation of Identity Groups and Conflict Mitigation in Darfur, Sudan 2005-2015," represents groundbreaking research in understanding and addressing conflict in the region.
As Governor of Central Darfur State during Sudan's transitional government period (2020-2021), Dr. Yousif worked tirelessly to maintain peace among ethnic groups, lead disarmament campaigns, and advance accountability for war crimes, including meeting with ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and documenting mass graves containing victims of conflict.
Professional Experience
Founder and President
People-to-People (PTP)
Zalingei, Sudan
Founded human rights, humanitarian, and development NGO supporting grassroots organizations throughout Sudan.
- Lead community-based peacebuilding and reconciliation initiatives across Darfur Sudan
- Developed model for Peace and Functional Co-existence addressing conflict on individual and communal levels
Governor of Central Darfur State
Transitional Government of Sudan
Zalingei, Sudan
Appointed as civilian governor following the Sudanese Revolution; served until removal during 2021 coup.
- Served as the state's chief executive, overseeing state ministries and agencies
- Served as the head of the state security committee
- Maintained social harmony and peace among all ethnic groups in Central Darfur
- Led disarmament campaign for unauthorized weapons across the state
- Oversaw handover of UNAMID headquarters and coordinated with UN peacekeeping mission
- Established new relationships with international NGOs, UN agencies, and IDP communities
- Discovered and documented mass graves containing victims of conflict
Research Fellow – Religion and Inclusive Societies
United States Institute of Peace (USIP)
Washington, DC, USA
Conducted research on religious dimensions of conflict and peacebuilding in Sudan.
Adjunct Professor
George Mason University
Arlington, VA, USA
Taught courses in conflict analysis and resolution. Mentored graduate students in peacebuilding research.
Founding President
World Peace and Reconciliation (WP&R)
Kampala, Uganda
Established organization focused on peace education and reconciliation in East Africa.
- Built Center for Peace Studies at Panyadoli Self Secondary School in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement
Co-Founder
Alliance for Transitional Justice in Sudan (ATJS)
Sudan
Co-founded coalition advocating for transitional justice and accountability in Sudan.
Founding President
Darfur Reconciliation and Development Organization (DRDO)
Zalingei, Darfur
Led community-based peacebuilding and reconciliation initiatives in Darfur.
Graduate Research Assistant
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA, USA
Program Manager
Center for Conflict Resolution (CECORE)
Kampala, Uganda
Co-Educator-At-Large
Abraham's Vision, Center for Transformative Education
San Francisco, CA, USA
Co-Founder and Director, Zalingei Office
Sudan Social Development Organization (SUDO)
Darfur, Sudan
Co-founded organization in April 2001 to support rural communities in obtaining rights.
- Documented human rights abuses across 339 villages in Darfur from 2003 onward
- Provided photographic evidence of atrocities to Amnesty International
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Conflict Analysis and Resolution
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, George Mason University
Dissertation: Fragmentation of Identity Groups and Conflict Mitigation in Darfur, Sudan 2005-2015
Master of Arts (M.A.) in International Studies
University of San Francisco
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Education
University of Dongola
Selected Publications
Political Islam and the Darfur Conflict: Religious Violence and the Interreligious Potential for Peace in Sudan
Ideology and Cultural Violence in Darfur
The Inclusion of Women in the Peacemaking Process
Peace Agreement is the Same Game for War and its Escalation in Sudan
The Janjaweed: Between Politics and Politicization of Identity in the Darfur Conflict
Sudan and South Sudan: Post-Separation Challenges
Darfur: The Crisis Continues
Negative Ethnicity: A Threat to Any Peace in South Sudan
Current Projects
Peace and Functional Co-existence Model
Developed comprehensive framework addressing conflict and division on individual and communal levels, empowering citizens to create peaceful communities. Aims to create harmonious co-existence and reconciliation among all tribes in Darfur, transcending divisions of "African Darfur" or "Arab Darfur."
Book Manuscript: Darfur: The Path to a Sustainable and Just Peace
Examines the history of conflict in Darfur and proposes a model for harmonious co-existence and reconciliation among all Darfur communities.
Planting Peace Initiative (PPI)
Non-violence initiative promoting lasting peace, social justice, human rights, diversity, and tolerance through community empowerment.
Notable Achievements
Met with ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda
2020Engaged with the International Criminal Court Prosecutor to advance justice for Darfur victims.
Documented Human Rights Abuses Across 339 Villages
Conducted comprehensive documentation of human rights abuses across 339 villages in Darfur for Amnesty International.
Discovered Mass Graves in Central Darfur
2021Located and documented mass graves containing at least 76 victims in July 2021.
Engaged with UN Security Council
Participated in discussions with UN Security Council panel of experts on regional security issues.
Built Schools, Clinics, and Planted Medicinal Trees
Humanitarian infrastructure development as part of ongoing activism.
Contact
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