The Face of Truth: Sudanese people, let us express our gratitude to everyone.
Ibrahim Shaglawi
Amidst the ordeal that Sudan endured due to the imposed war—where new colonialists sought to enforce a shameful reality that the Sudanese people would never have accepted—the conspiracy was shattered, and their schemes were thwarted thanks to the bravery of its grand army and its devoted warriors. Millions of Sudanese found themselves compelled to leave their homeland in search of safety and stability. This forced migration was not merely numbers but carried stories of pain, tragedy, and resilience, serving as a real test of regional and international solidarity. Many countries in the Arab world and Africa responded by opening their borders and welcoming Sudanese refugees, providing them with support in shelter, education, and healthcare.
From this perspective, and as the war in our country nears its end, Sudanese initiatives have emerged, reflecting values of loyalty and gratitude toward the nations that embraced Sudanese refugees. However, expressing thanks should be comprehensive and aligned with the principles of public diplomacy and value-based partnerships. It should not be limited to a single country but extend to all nations that have demonstrated noble humanitarian stances.
In this context, the President of the Sudanese Peoples’ Association, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Omar Nimir, announced the launch of a popular initiative to thank Egypt under the slogan “Thank You, Egypt; Thank You, Sisi,” scheduled for February 2025, in coordination with the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Egyptian Embassy in Port Sudan. The initiative includes mass rallies to express gratitude for Egypt’s support during the crisis.
This step, despite its symbolic nature, should serve as a model for appreciating all countries that hosted Sudanese refugees. Just as the Arab Republic of Egypt welcomed Sudanese people with loyalty and appreciation, so did the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar, the Sultanate of Oman, Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, Bahrain, and African nations such as Ethiopia, Eritrea, Uganda, Kenya, and others. Expressing gratitude to these nations should be a collective effort that reflects Sudan’s civilizational face and strengthens its ties with its Arab, African, and international surroundings.
The Sudanese people have a rich heritage of loyalty and gratitude, whether at the interpersonal level or in significant historical moments. Sudan has never been ungrateful to those who stood by it in difficult times; rather, it has always reciprocated kindness through diplomatic stances, humanitarian aid, social solidarity, and even in its cultural literature. Throughout different eras, Sudanese people have demonstrated clear loyalty to countries that supported them or stood with them in times of hardship.
Sudanese society itself is built on values of solidarity and appreciation, which manifest in social traditions such as Nafir—a custom that embodies the spirit of cooperation—and hospitality customs that emphasize generosity, where it is said that “a Sudanese person never eats alone,” signifying the deeply rooted culture of hospitality.
These values are not merely social traditions but an integral part of Sudanese identity, making the people appreciate generosity and reciprocate kindness. Today, given the current circumstances, upholding these values is not just an option but a necessity to maintain Sudan’s image as a nation loyal to its Arab and African environment.
Expressing gratitude to those who hosted Sudanese refugees is not merely a moral duty but a message that reflects Sudan’s values and people, reinforcing its status as a country that respects humanitarian and diplomatic relations. Accordingly, appreciation should be inclusive and balanced to maintain Sudan’s positive image in its surroundings.
Sudan’s displacement experience is not the first of its kind; many nations have faced similar situations and successfully reintegrated their citizens through different means. Some notable experiences include:
Bosnia and Herzegovina: After the Balkan War (1992–1995), millions of refugees returned with international support through reconstruction programs, financial compensation, and employment opportunities.
Rwanda: Following the 1994 genocide, the government adopted transitional justice programs and national reconciliation, rebuilding infrastructure and integrating returnees into the economy.
Lebanon and Syria: Both countries have experienced similar displacement and return challenges, particularly in reconstruction and ensuring political and security stability.
Additionally, there is a crucial aspect to consider: the return of displaced people requires:
Comprehensive security and political guarantees that encourage returnees to come back.
Sustainable reconstruction programs to address the war’s impact on infrastructure and essential services.
Social reconciliation measures to prevent divisions and renewed conflict.
Economic and developmental support to ensure the stability of returnees through employment and livelihood opportunities.
Addressing psychological and social damages through mental health support and reintegration programs.
As for managing the return process, its success will determine Sudan’s ability to overcome the war’s effects and restore its social fabric and political stability. Just as other nations have overcome their crises, Sudan is capable of rising again—provided it learns from others’ experiences, builds its own path, and adopts wise policies in reconstruction and national reconciliation.
Thus, in light of The Face of Truth, let our gratitude be for all nations that supported Sudan—a comprehensive expression of appreciation, loyalty, and gratitude. Let the planning for the return of displaced persons be grounded in a strategic vision that ensures security and stability. Only then can Sudan transition from crisis to reconstruction, drawing lessons from its past and looking toward a more stable and prosperous future.
Wishing you all well and in good health.
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Shglawi55@gmail.com