Skip to content
  • Image
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Podcasts
  • Email
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Contact
The Arab Daily News

The Arab Daily News

Original news, features, opinions from Chicago to Jerusalem

  • About
    • About
    • Our Writers
    • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
    • Book Store
    • Contact
    • Submit Book Reviews, Press Releases
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Corrections Policy
    • Profile on Ray Hanania
    • Submit Press Release
  • Features
    • Food
    • Book Review
    • Humor
    • Movies
    • Travel
  • Arab Stores Targeted
  • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Heritage America resources
    • Directory
      • Groups & Organizations
      • Mosques, Churches
      • Restaurants
      • 2008 & 2014 Arab Media Directories
    • National Arab Heritage Month
    • Video: Chicago Arab History
    • Video: Photo Array of Chicago Arabs
    • Overview of Arabs in America
    • Hanania standup comedy
    • Arabs on the Titanic
    • Obituaries
  • Podcasts
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
    • Arab News Ray Hanania Radio
    • Arab Radio Podcast intro
    • Radio Baladi Detroit
  • Hanania on Tiktok
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Toggle search form
  • photo credit author Nehemia Gershuni-Aylho www.NGPhoto.biz and Wikipedia
    Emergency Court Motions to Stop Elbit Drone Parts Shipment via Frankfurt Airport  Activism
  • American Journalist Shireen Abu Akleh murdered by Israeli soldiers May 11, 2022
    Documentary names soldier it says killed Shireen Abu Akleh in 2022 American Arabs
  • Committee to Protect Journalists, CPJ
    Jordan bans 12 news sites for ‘spreading media poison’ following corruption report Arab World
  • CAIR Logo. Council on American Islamic Relations
    CAIR Condemns MIT for banning Class President from Graduation Ceremony over Anti-Genocide speech Activism
  • ADC creates emergency fund to defend people who are being punished for expressing views on the American-sanction violence by Israel in the Gaza Strip. Photo courtesy of ADC
    ADC Condemns ADL, Rep. Torres’ Defamation of Dr. Lara Sheehi Activism
  • UN Special Committee on Israeli practices in occupied territories warns of a second Nakba  Arab World
  • Arab American community liaison Hassan Nijem, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Basta at the Arab American Heritage Month event hosted by Pappas’s office.
    Pappas honors Arab American business and community leaders for Heritage Month Activism
  • 04-28-25 Pappas Arab Heritage Month
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas recognizes Arab American Heritage Month by honoring business and community leaders American Arabs
  • Stuffed Grape Leaves. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    A recipe on how to make Stuffed Grape Leaves with lamb, ox tail and rice American Arabs
  • Andrew Boutros, interim US Attorney Northern District of Illinois. Photo courtesy of the US Attorney's Office
    Andrew S. Boutros Takes Oath of Office as United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois American Arabs
  • Israeli massacres of Palestinian civilians March 18 2025
    Palestinians demand investigation of Israeli war crimes in Gaza Strip Arab World
  • Illinois Muslim Action Day April 9 2025
    Illinois Muslim Action Day Policies at April 9 Statehouse News Conference American Arabs
  • Investigation demanded in March 23 massacre of 15 first responders by Israel's military in Rafah
    Investigation demanded into Israel slaughter of First Responder in Rafah on March 23, 2025 Arab World
  • More than a dozen candidates running for various local offices in the Chicagoland suburbs attended an Ifatr dinner Thursday, March 13, 2025 hosted by the Arab American Chamber of Commerce at the Jerusalem Banquet Hall in Bridgeview.
    Candidates promise fairness and engagement at Arab Chamber Iftar event March 13 Activism
  • Orland Fire Protection District, Fiscal Voices, receive endorsement of the Arab American Democracy Coaliton
    Independent candidates for Orland Fire receive Arab and Muslim American endorsement Activism
Magdi A. Mofadal is the ambassador of Sudan to Austria

The Imperative for National Reconciliation in Sudan

Posted on July 28, 2023July 28, 2023 By News Editor News Editor No Comments on The Imperative for National Reconciliation in Sudan
SHARE ...
          
 
  

  • Tweet

The Imperative for National Reconciliation in Sudan

By Magdi Mofadal

Recently, efforts have intensified to stop the conflict in Sudan, that started on the 15th of April 2023, with the aborted coup d’état by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). No one knows when and how this conflict will end, but one thing is certain. Sudan is in a crying need for a comprehensive and inclusive national healing, reconciliation, and justice process after this devastating conflict.

This article tries to shed some light on the importance of national reconciliation in Sudan for the country’s national unity, stability, and democracy.

Why national reconciliation and nation building?

Firstly, as General Carl von Clausewitz put it” when two mass armies clash with each other, it is primordial violence, hatred, and enmity”.

Magdi A. Mofadal is the ambassador of Sudan to Austria
Magdi A. Mofadal is the ambassador of Sudan to Austria

 

This is exactly what has been happening in Sudan since April between the Sudanese Armed Forces and RSF. The appalling atrocities committed in this conflict; the unmeasurable and unprecedented destruction; and the high level of political and societal polarization involved reopened deep historical wounds, in the nation’s social fabric, that have not been fully healed.

 

Secondly, this conflict received extremely wide coverage by the social media. Those who have not experienced the horrors of war personally, have witnessed and confronted them through appalling videos and photos.  

Thirdly, prior to April 2023, intercommunal violence reached alarming levels in Kassala, Res Sea, West Darfur, and Blue Nile states.  It resulted in the death of hundreds of civilians and widespread destruction of properties.

Fourthly, different social media platforms have been widely used to propagate hate speech, intolerance, and stereotyping, which, combined with high illiteracy rates, represent a ticking time bomb.

Fifthly, the impact of previous conflicts on national unity cannot be overestimated. They have been marked by grave human rights violations and atrocities, and left millions internally displaced or refugees. They weakened the social fabric and exacerbated tensions among different communities.  They also caused extensive destruction of infrastructure, drained the country’s limited resources, deterred investors, poisoned the country’s relations with the international community, and contributed to weakening the state institutions. Unfortunately, no credible national reconciliation processes have been attempted after these conflicts.

Sixthly, Sudan has been plagued by political instability since independence. This did not help in developing and effectively implementing a comprehensive and coherent nation-building strategy.

Seventhly, the prolonged economic crisis and high level of employment in a country, where youth represent about 70% of the country’s population, is a nightmare for policy makers. Unemployed desperate youth can be mobilized easily for any case against “the other”.  On the other hand, the current political climate is characterized by high levels of political fragmentation and polarization, weakness of political parties, and the absence of unifying charismatic leaders. This creates a ripe atmosphere for shallowness in political discourse and weakening of national sentiments.

Eighthly, regional developmental disparities further complicate matters in Sudan. Some sections of society feel that the state resources are not distributed fairly among the different regions of the nation.

Ninthly, the current borders of Sudan were established in the nineteenth century. Before that, most of the tribes were segregated into smaller ethnic communities and regions with little interaction with one another. Like most African countries, these borders left some communities divided in two or more countries. For some, their kins across the border are closer to them than their national neighbours from a different ethnic community. In this respect, foreign interference from some regional and international circles helped in weakening national sentiments.

Tenthly, there are not enough reliable transport and communications networks to link the various regions of the vast nation. As the third largest country in Africa, Sudan’s territory is slightly less than France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK combined. This in turn limited interaction among different communities and left some living only with perceptions about their brethren in the country.

The road to national reconciliation

All these factors together hindered the strengthening of national unity in the country and left it in a state of constant conflicts. They have contributed to elevating primary allegiance to tribes and/or regions to allegiance to the state, which is a relatively new idea to many.  

Therefore, it is evident that reconciliation and healing of deep-rooted wounds are imperative for sustaining peace, stability, and a smooth transition to democracy in Sudan. To secure a healthy future, it is essential to address the abhorrent atrocities committed in the current conflict and those left from past ones. It must be part and parcel of any future political settlement. National reconciliation will have a very positive impact on the peace process in South Kordofan, Blue Nile and Darfur as well on peace building and sustaining peace throughout the country.

It is hoped that the Sudanese stakeholders, with regional and international support, will develop and successfully implement a suitable comprehensive and inclusive national healing, reconciliation, and justice process to address the challenges outlined above.  It will be much wiser if this national reconciliation process becomes one of the pillars of the post-conflict transitional period and precedes the long-awaited general elections.

The lessons learned from the experiences of South Africa, after the fall of the Apartheid regime, and Rwanda, after the 1994 genocide, can help us in this crucial process. National reconciliation alongside a substantial economic support package, serve are the cornerstones of the country’s recovery plan. Without them, rescuing the nation from its current tribulation will be impossible mission and a true nightmare.

(Magdi Mofadal is the ambassador of Sudan to Austria. The views expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the writer.  Reach him at magdimofadal2011@gmail.com.)        

newswire info
  • About
  • Latest Posts
News Editor News Editor
News Editor News Editor
News Editor News Editor
Latest posts by News Editor News Editor (see all)
  • The RSF mutiny’s resonance in Sudan: Understanding some of its impacts on regional and global dynamics - September 23, 2023
  • Factors Stalling the Peace Process in Sudan - August 28, 2023
  • Reviving the Bread-basket Strategy: The Backbone of Sudan’s Recovery - August 10, 2023

  • Tweet

SHARE ...
          
 
  
 
          
 
 Tweet 
Arab World, Bloggers, Commentary, North Africa, Opinion Tags:General Carl von Clausewitz, Magdi Mofadal, national reconciliation, National Reconciliation in Sudan, opinion commentary, Rapid Support Forces, Sudan

Post navigation

Previous Post: Sudan’s Bumpy Road to Peace, Reconciliation, and Democracy
Next Post: Sudan Recovery Plan: The Forgotten Pillar in Peace-making Efforts

Related Posts

  • White House Six Day War Logs, Sex, Lies, and the USS Liberty Arab World
  • Front page banner Ray Hanania column June 1, 2019 in the Arab News Newspaper on how Begin tried to use money to buy off Palestinian statehood
    Kushner and Greenblatt making same mistake Begin made in 1977 Arab News
  • The 3rd Annual Red Carpet Festival in the Gaza Strip remembers major moments in Palestinian history, launched in 2015 marking the Israeli destruction of civilian homes in al-Shajaiya neighborhood east of Gaza City. Photo copyright Mohammed Asad. All Rights Reserved.
    Gaza hosts 3rd annual Red Carpet Festival Arab World
  • Children of Gaza Terrorized and Terrified Arab World
  • Leading Muslims turn backs on Armenian genocide Arab World
  • EU boosts support for Libyan independence Arab World

More Related Articles

Interview with historian Benjamin Stora Abdennour Toumi
head shot Grand Pardon or Repentance!  Abdennour Toumi
USS Liberty Remembrance of 50 years USA Government Cover-Up of Israel’s 8 June 1967 Attack on USA Spy-Ship American Arabs
Ukraine conflict gives Palestinians chance to redefine their conflict Arab News
“From Palestine” echoes from Oscars to world Bloggers
حرب إسرائيل على الفلسطينيين هي حرب على الحقائق Arab News

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Ray Hanania's 4 times a week columns at https://RayHanania.com at Substack

Enter Your Email to Subscribe to Ray Hanania’s Columns

  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Photo courtesy of Journalist Abdennour Toumi
    France: Political Compromise vs Political Instability
    August 28, 2024
  • Zakia Restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia
    Arabs eat Middle East food like they are making love
    June 27, 2024
  • Zwar lamb kabob and kufta with white and yellow rice
    Zwar ranked the Best Middle East restaurant in Chicagoland suburbs
    June 8, 2024
  • Pictured: Rahm Emanuel, Afghan activist Salman Aftab who was co-chair of the Iftar dinner, and several non-Arab Muslim leaders. Also pictured is Ald. Joe Moore. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania for Arab News
    Comprehensive look at the failings of former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel
    January 18, 2024
  • NEWSWIRE
  • CAIR Logo. Council on American Islamic Relations
    CAIR Condemns MIT for banning Class President from Graduation Ceremony over Anti-Genocide speech
    June 1, 2025
  • Arab American community liaison Hassan Nijem, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Basta at the Arab American Heritage Month event hosted by Pappas’s office.
    Pappas honors Arab American business and community leaders for Heritage Month
    April 29, 2025
  • 04-28-25 Pappas Arab Heritage Month
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas recognizes Arab American Heritage Month by honoring business and community leaders
    April 27, 2025
  • Mike Ghouse
    Celebration of 500th Interfaith Marriage Ceremony
    February 14, 2025

Creative Commons License
All work on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

  • NEWS
  • photo credit author Nehemia Gershuni-Aylho www.NGPhoto.biz and Wikipedia
    Emergency Court Motions to Stop Elbit Drone Parts Shipment via Frankfurt Airport 
    June 7, 2025
  • American Journalist Shireen Abu Akleh murdered by Israeli soldiers May 11, 2022
    Documentary names soldier it says killed Shireen Abu Akleh in 2022
    June 1, 2025
  • BOOK REVIEWS
  • Faisal Abbas Book Anecdotes
    Book Review: Arab author shares his anecdotes living in the United Kingdom
    October 22, 2024
  • Columnist Ray Hanania at the ADC Convention in Dearborn with the author Susan Abulhawa
    Book Review: Mornings in Jenin bySusan Abulhawa
    September 14, 2024
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • Television set and remote. Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash
    MBC GROUP unveils MBCNOW, its brand-new groundbreaking entertainment service aggregator
    February 24, 2025
  • ArabCon 2024 Gala Program features Dr. Cornel West, Macklemore, and more
    September 6, 2024
  • New-iTunes-1400-x-1400-The-Ray-Hanania-Show-Podcast-Icon-300-x-300.jpg
  • terroristbookcover-300-x-300.jpg
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png
  • powerpr300x300ad.jpg
  • Podcast-iTunes-Logo-Chi-City-Hall-1985.jpg
Arab News Newspaper Logo
Read the Arab News, the leading English language newspaper in the MIddle East

Follow Ray Hanania at
Twitter
Facebook
TitkTok
BlueSky
RayHanania Columns

Click here to get information on The Ray Hanania Radio Show and its podcasts

Copyright © 2025 The Arab Daily News.

Powered by PressBook Premium theme