Saudi-owned channels Al Arabiya and Al Hadath have shifted from neutral coverage of the Sudanese conflict toward language that appears more aligned with the Sudanese army, raising questions about the political implications of this change. Because these outlets reflect Saudi strategic positioning, the shift may signal a reevaluation of Riyadh’s approach to the crisis. Such a development could challenge Saudi Arabia’s credibility within the international quartet mediating the conflict, as successful mediation requires strict neutrality. Continued biased discourse risks undermining Saudi influence and complicating its diplomatic efforts toward a negotiated settlement.

The hakama, a female poet-singer in Sudanese tribal society, particularly in western regions, serves as a key sociopolitical figure whose influence extends beyond artistic expression. Through poetry and song, she shapes public sentiment in times of war and peace, motivating warriors through praise and moral exhortation or facilitating reconciliation through appeals to kinship and shared identity. Researchers such as Andrew Paul describe her as a symbolic authority whose words carry significant weight in shaping collective decisions. By preserving communal memory and reinforcing values of bravery, honor, peace, and unity, the hakama acts as an informal political actor whose voice helps recalibrate social and power dynamics within her community.

Cultural traditions express collective identity and, in Sudan, encompass diverse dances, music, and customs. The writer argues that in Chad, suspicion that tribal cultural performances encourage division has led to restrictions, especially at university graduations. The real danger, the column maintains, is suppressing cultural expression rather than recognizing it. It calls for bringing diverse traditions into a shared national framework, citing the Festival DARY as a promising effort to celebrate heritage and foster unity.

Cultural heritage is depicted as a collective identity that binds communities across generations, providing depth and belonging. In Sudan, diverse traditional practices enrich national identity, while in Chad university celebrations face suspicion as traditions are increasingly viewed as triggers of tribalism and racism. The text argues that the issue lies not in cultural expression but in negative societal interpretations that reduce traditions to ethnic or political symbols. Suppressing heritage risks fragmentation, whereas recognition and framing it within an inclusive national project, such as Festival DARY, can transform diversity into unity. The writer calls for embracing and refining heritage to strengthen national cohesion rather than fearing it.

Darfur faces deep fragmentation and devastation driven by prolonged civil conflict, with education emerging as one of the main casualties as schools close, teachers flee, and students are drawn into violence they neither understand nor choose. The text argues that restoring education is essential for rebuilding security, social cohesion, and a shared identity in a region fractured by tribalism and extremism. It stresses that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through weapons or fragile agreements but through nurturing a generation that values coexistence, justice, and rational dialogue. Rebuilding Darfur must begin with schools, teachers, and learning environments capable of transforming suffering into knowledge and creating a foundation for long-term stability and unity.