The War in Sudan and Issues of Cultural and Social Transformation
The Face of Truth
Ibrahim Shglawi
The War in Sudan and Issues of Cultural and Social Transformation
In mid-April of last year, a war erupted in Sudan as a result of a coup attempt led by the Rapid Support Forces militia with regional support and backing from certain internal political forces that sought to seize the Sudanese state. This failed attempt to take power by force quickly turned into a full-scale war against the Sudanese people, resulting in many casualties and brutal violations, as well as the desecration of civilian property and homes. As a result, all cultural structures in areas of the conflict were deeply affected.
All premises of national radio and television were damaged, broadcast equipment and newspapers stopped functioning, and theaters and cinemas ceased operations. The National Museum of Sudanese Antiquities, the National Archives, several other museums, and large libraries, which had been vital to the Sudanese identity and heritage, were looted. Cultural and theatrical activities came to a halt in Sudan, especially in the capital, Khartoum, and its three cities: Khartoum, Bahri, and Omdurman.
Amid this chaos and devastation caused by the war in Sudan, the profound impact on the cultural and social life of Sudanese society has become apparent. The brutal attacks on civilians and the looting of cultural institutions and many significant historical buildings reveal that the war targeted not only human lives but also the identity, history, and culture of Sudan.
Many citizens and intellectuals, who had represented the lifeblood of society and its cornerstone in supporting national unity and social cohesion, were displaced. The impact of the war on cultural activity was severe and clear, halting the progress of arts, creativity, and cultural and theatrical activities. Artists and intellectuals faced significant challenges in communication and in building cooperative networks that had previously enabled the continuity of cultural and artistic work, particularly after losing essential tools for their work, both personal and public.
Therefore, it is crucial to reconsider how these essential tools might be recovered, so that intellectuals and artists can support their people by standing alongside the Sudanese Armed Forces to restore security, achieve peace, and strengthen national unity and solidarity. This could be done through organizing cultural projects that support peace and bring security and stability to the Sudanese people.
Sudanese intellectuals and artists must look forward and unite to restore security and peace and reinforce national unity. They must utilize their creative and expressive abilities to design messages that promote peace, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among all sects and cultures in Sudan. Sudanese intellectuals should also unite and work together to build a better future for Sudan in light of the challenges posed by the war, which may indeed threaten our national unity.
Thus, intellectuals of all backgrounds must rise to contribute to the creation of a national discourse characterized by diversity, tolerance, and the promotion of peace. They should employ their creative and expressive abilities to find solutions to the challenges facing them and our community, while encouraging dialogue and cooperation among all segments of Sudanese society.
The ongoing struggle between war and peace in our country requires a reevaluation of the role of intellectuals and artists in building a cultural space and strengthening national unity. Creative figures should design messages that support peace, tolerance, and encourage peaceful coexistence among various groups and cultures in Sudan. In light of the persistent challenges of war and political conflicts, Sudanese intellectuals must refrain from becoming part of this political strife. Instead, they should take effective steps toward building a secure and prosperous society. They should design cultural projects and initiatives that reinforce national identity and positively impact social and cultural interaction among Sudanese people. In these turbulent times, the wisdom of the Sudanese intellectual should emerge to safeguard the unity of the country against regional and international threats.
Likewise, we recognize that cultural institutions in Sudan face enormous challenges amid the ongoing war and preceding political conflicts. This has created a perplexing reality for Sudanese intellectuals, making it difficult to build networks of cooperation and exchange expertise on local, regional, and international levels. Additionally, technical challenges have arisen due to a shortage of material and technical resources for development and enhancing cultural capacities. Despite the efforts of several artists, such as Mr. Ali Mahdi, Mr. Mohammed al-Sunni Dafallah, Dr. Saad Yousif, Maki Sanada, and others, their endeavors require the state’s support and endorsement.
During this time of war, now nearing its second year, Sudan has lost several cultural and artistic icons, such as Mohammed Al-Makki Ibrahim, Abdel Karim Al-Kabli, Al-Mahi Ismail, Hashim Siddiq, Mohammed Al-Amin, and Nabil Mutwakil—may they all rest in peace. They were deeply committed to the importance of national cultural movements and were active contributors through their cultural output, expressing the values of national unity.
It is essential for all of us to work toward building a better society, one in which peace and prosperity prevail. There is no doubt that intellectuals and artists have a significant role in this regard and must contribute effectively and positively to achieve this goal. Therefore, we see “the truth’s perspective” in the necessity of everyone’s cooperation to promote a message of peace. The international community must also stand with Sudan in these difficult times, supporting its efforts toward peace and stability. Culture and art play an important role in promoting tolerance and mutual understanding, serving as a bridge for communication between different peoples. We must all work together to restore them, as they represent support for national unity, tolerance within society, and collaboration to build a better future for Sudan.
Wishing you well and in good health.
Shglawi55@gmail.com