Initiative Launched to Promote Dialogue and Preserve Social Peace in Eastern Sudan

The city of Kassala witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding marking the official launch of the “Kassala Pilot Initiative for Dialogue, the Preservation of Social Peace, and Heritage.” The initiative is being implemented by Al-Ishraq Organization for Development and Reconstruction in partnership with the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID), as part of the “Dialogue Projects” program.

The four-month initiative, running from August 1 to November 30, 2026, aims to defuse ethnic and tribal tensions in Kassala State and counter hate speech by activating traditional dialogue mechanisms and drawing on cultural heritage and historical customs to support peaceful coexistence and strengthen social cohesion.

According to Nizar Al-Mubarak, a participating member of the King Abdullah Centre, who spoke to Mashaweer, the initiative seeks to make use of local tools and dialogue mechanisms deeply rooted in the community as effective means of addressing disputes and reducing tensions.

He highlighted “the importance of involving all social groups in efforts to preserve social peace.”

He added that “using local heritage and customs in dialogue can help build trust between communities and create spaces for understanding, thereby supporting conflict prevention and addressing the causes of tension before they escalate.”

Ahmed Adroob, an activist with the Kassala Initiative, told Mashaweer that “the initiative represents an opportunity to open a broad community dialogue on issues affecting coexistence and social peace in the state, while strengthening the participation of local communities in finding solutions to disputes.”

He stressed that “countering hate speech requires sustained community action, alongside restoring the role of traditional leaders, youth, women, and cultural actors in promoting a culture of dialogue and acceptance of others.”

He also emphasized “the importance of recognizing that preserving social peace is a shared responsibility among all components of society.”