Unity in Diversity in Sudan: Can Gezira Scheme be the Model؟ By Taha Daoud

01:15 AM April, 14 2025

Sudanese Online
طـــه داوود-بريطانيا
My Library
Short URL



Sudan is a multi-linguistic country. Some statistics indicate the existence of more than 100 languages spoken by non-Arab groups in Sudan. Language is an essential component of ethnic identity. Religion, language and race are the most salient criteria of ethnic classification and identity (Florian, 2019-32).
No doubt that Arabic language dominates the current linguistic scene of Sudan; it is steadily growing, while other ethnic languages are diminishing over the years. Such ups and downs of languages also happen to all our innovations and inherent customs and traditions following the rule: "survival for the fittest", provided that no other external factors deliver support to dominant language to undermine minority languages on the assumption that such languages represent a threat to the national identity of the nation.
Multilingualism and cultural diversity shouldn’t be a surprise in Sudan, a country that has boundaries with 7 countries, namely, Egypt, Libya, Chad, Central Africa, Ethiopia, Eritrea and South Sudan, 5 of them are characterized as a black identity states: Chad, Central Africa, Ethiopia, Eritrea and South Sudan. All with easy crossing borders and deep tribal interrelations with Sudan.
Sudan long-lived Identity crisis which transformed into military conflict in many regions, especially after being linked to other factors like dispute over agricultural and pastoral lands, as the case in Darfur Region, or the previous struggle of South Sudan Movements against central government demanding some sort of autonomy within (united Sudan), which, regrettably, ended up by declaring South Sudan as an Independent country in 2011, has to be tackled with a new vision and a new strategy that will help to put an end to such chronic disputes.
The ongoing conflict in many regions in Sudan will not stop unless the ruling regime acknowledges that multiculturalism is an established fact in Sudan, it is the best description of the country's social and cultural reality.
Those in power should spare no efforts towards boosting national unity. Those in power should focus on preserving country's borders instead of fueling the identity conflict and causing cultural wars between different communities which might lead to more breakups in the country.
All concerned authorities, including political and civil society organizations, have to support the concept of (unity in diversity) and confirm equal rights for all Sudan ethnicities irrespective of their differences.
Multiculturalism will not be a threat to country's unity, on the contrary, it will enrich prevailing cultural values and innovation.
"Multiculturalism has never been about encouraging separation and segregation. It has involved the creation of structures in which the incorporation of immigrants and ethnic minorities occurs fairly and with the recognition that the desire of immigrants and minorities to retain aspects of their cultures is reasonable, and that cultural diversity is itself desirable and benefits the nation in a variety of ways" Rattansi (2011-8).
In conclusion, Sudan Gezira Scheme with its high population density from all ethnicities could be the model of co-existence, tolerance, cooperation, modernity and multi-identity area if concerned authorities take necessary actions including the following.
fulfill balanced development. Big and populated villages are well-served, whereas small villages and camps within the scheme are still suffering from shortcomings in basic health services, clean potable waters and schools.
provide basic service facilities to all scheme inhabitants
adopt suitable initiatives towards boosting multilingualism and cultural diversity among Gezira Scheme society.
believe that diversity in economic resources, as the case in Sudan, usually leads to prosperity, equally.
emphasize that the multi-ethnic and multi-cultural scene of Sudan is a source of pride, a source of epistemological awareness, a source of richness and a source of tolerance and societal integration.




*Author’s email: [email protected]

Arabic Forum