Community Actors Discuss Ways to Counter Hate Speech in Sudan

Twenty community actors from the cities of Rabak and Al-Jazira Aba in White Nile State discussed ways to counter hate speech and prevent it from turning into violence during dialogue sessions organized by the Democratic Media Center, as part of efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and restore the social fabric affected by the war.

The participants, including religious leaders, youth, women, media professionals, and civil society representatives, discussed the impact of inflammatory rhetoric on trust and social relations, and how words and posts circulated across different platforms can either deepen divisions or create opportunities for dialogue and rapprochement.

Social activist in White Nile State, Shaker Al-Khatib, told Mashaweer that “countering hate speech starts within the community itself, by promoting a culture of dialogue and rejecting generalization and exclusion.”

He noted that “the continued coexistence among different components of society despite the repercussions of the war represents an opportunity that can be built upon to restore social relations.”

He affirmed that “community leaders, youth, women, media professionals, and religious leaders can play important roles in reducing inflammatory rhetoric.”

He called for expanding spaces for community dialogue and involving more actors in initiatives that promote peace and social cohesion.

The participants stressed that “peace is not only about ending the war, but also begins with everyday discourse and community attitudes,” emphasizing the importance of turning dialogue into practical initiatives that contribute to countering hate speech and promoting coexistence.