War Fueled by Hate Speech: Sudan Falls into the Fragmentation Trap

Washington – Sudanhorizon

The SADA Blog, an online magazine affiliated with the Carnegie Middle East Program, which states its aim is to promote and enrich discussion on key political, economic, and social issues in the Arab world and provides a platform for both new and established voices to offer reflective analyses of these issues, concluded that hate speech is the primary source that will continue to fuel the flames of war in Sudan.

In a summary of an article, more akin to an academic study by researcher Samar Suleiman, the blog indicated that the war, which has devastated all aspects of life in Sudan, leaving behind a massive humanitarian and health crisis, requires the Sudanese state, in order to prevent a complete national collapse, to work on restoring the institutional cohesion and balance that Sudan previously enjoyed – before fragmentation and divisions took root.

The article warned that the weakness of state and civil institutions has allowed hate speech to flourish unchecked, while the absence of accountability and legal deterrence has emboldened its promoters to persist. Similarly, the decline of political parties and trade unions—once shouldering the fostering of civic participation and democratic awareness—has eroded the frameworks that unite society. The absence of equitable development has deepened resentment among marginalized groups, fueling feelings of exclusion and hatred that now threaten the fabric of social peace and national unity.

The analysis emphasizes that confronting hate speech requires activating and empowering state institutions—particularly the judiciary and the education system—along with strengthening political parties and trade unions, regulating communication channels, and promoting a culture of balanced and conciliatory discourse. These efforts must be supported by genuine political will and close cooperation between state institutions, the media, and civil society.

The study argues that efforts should be made to create a responsible media environment that conveys the truth without incitement and to establish dialogue as the primary alternative to hostility. Most importantly, peace must be embraced not merely as a slogan, but as a living culture that permeates society.

The analysis concludes that addressing hate speech in Sudan requires a comprehensive vision that goes beyond security or legislative measures to confront the deep-rooted social and political factors that sustain it. Hate doesn’t arise in a vacuum; it’s born from chronic marginalization, unresolved identity conflicts, and decades of mismanagement of diversity. Therefore, the solution must begin with promoting the values of equal citizenship and recognizing cultural and ethnic diversity as a source of strength, not a threat.

The study emphasizes the crucial role of the media in adhering to professional standards, providing responsible reporting, and avoiding rhetoric that deepens divisions or incites hostility. Equally important are the efforts of civil society, which must foster a culture of dialogue and tolerance while monitoring social media platforms that have become powerful tools for spreading hate.

For these efforts to succeed, the analysis argues, the state must promote long-term educational and media policies that foster respect and value diversity.

Combating hate speech is not merely a battle of words; it’s a battle for awareness and nation-building.

The article emphasizes the need for responsible coverage of sensitive discussions, effective monitoring of hate speech and divisive content, and clear legislation criminalizing ethnic and regional incitement. It also stresses the importance of holding public platforms accountable for the material they publish. Furthermore, it underscores the necessity of continued long-term investment in education to instill values of peace and citizenship within society. Educational curricula should promote diversity, challenge stereotypes, and dismantle the prejudices that fuel hate speech among communities.

The article concludes by highlighting the crucial role of comprehensive national reconciliation as the framework for any lasting solution. It argues that this is the only way to restore trust among the diverse social and political components of Sudanese society and to rekindle citizens’ sense of shared belonging to a single nation—a nation not defined by regionalism or sectarian loyalties.

“Therefore, combating hate speech is not merely a moral obligation, but a national imperative for the unity and security of Sudan. Words that ignite wars can also sow the seeds of peace, and media outlets that have amplified division can, through responsibility and integrity, become a force for recovery and reconciliation.”

It adds, “confronting this challenge requires more than just legal reform or media censorship; it demands a comprehensive cultural transformation that redefines the concept of ‘the other’ in Sudanese consciousness. Hate is not simply rhetoric; it is an intellectual construct born of exclusion and marginalization. It will persist until a new social contract is established—a contract based on citizenship, equality, and recognition of the inherent value of every human being, transcending any tribal, ethnic, or regional affiliation.”

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