The kandakas of Sudan speak up on the country’s plight

But what can intellectual and creative Sudanese woman do in such difficult times?

Ishraga says they can have a crucial role to play, pointing out: "Many female intellectuals and writers who live in the diaspora launched campaigns and creative art initiatives, including literature, theatre, music, and cinema productions."

She adds: "Such contributions are merely an extension of the mighty role that Sudanese women played in the December Revolution, when they took to the streets to call for democracy, peace, and justice with a loud and clear voice."

As for her own contribution, Ishraga adds: "I have been constantly supporting Sudan, particularly through the cultural activities I put on in European and especially German-speaking countries."

"In these activities, I try present the reality of events in my country and boldly express my view and constructive criticism of EU policies not only in Sudan, but in all of Africa."

Read more: Sudanese intellectuals weigh in on Sudan's never-ending war

"I think it is essential for the world to learn about the Sudan crisis from its own people as they are the ones who suffer most from it, and to listen to what these Sudanese have to say about the crisis dimensions, roots, and solutions."

Amal Akasha

According to the writer Amal Akasha, Sudan's female intellectuals have a "double responsibility" in the current troubled circumstances.

"The key mission of culture and literature is to promote positive change and raise awareness in society," she says.

"Some think literature and culture are luxuries in times of war, as safety and basic needs take precedence above all else. I would argue this is not completely true, as writing is a mighty weapon during such difficult times."

She adds: "Sudanese women of all walks of life – writers, doctors, workers, or housewives – have always revolted against tyranny and fought for justice."

Dangerous juncture

This latest war in the country did not come as a suprise to Amal.

"Since the December revolution, we already knew that Sudan would reach this dangerous juncture and war," she says. 

"Whatever their affiliations, all military powers in the country have been trying to hinder the civil democratic path in any way possible. The military coup of 25 October 2021 attests to this."

"Now, we have come to the most critical stage of the conflict between the factions of the armed forces. Each of the two sides wants to gain power at any cost, even if it means the destruction of the homeland and its people."

Ann Al-Safi

Sudanese novelist, writer, and journalist Ann Al-Safi believes the role of women is deeply rooted in Sudanese culture.

"Our land boasts ancient civilisations led by kandakas, the glorious Nubian queens that served as a role model for our women across generations and until this day."

"When supported by society, women can play a significant and effective role. Men and women — old and young —must unite in their efforts," she says.

"We all know just how precious and valuable our homeland, culture, and people are. We must all work together to safeguard the dignity of the Sudanese citizen and ensure the development of our society."

On the role of women intellectuals in the current crisis, she says: "Soft power through intellectual thought, culture, literature, arts, and sciences can be a very effective tool. Hence, it is the responsibility of everyone active in these fields to help society understand reality." 

Ann believes in the importance of scientific, objective, and expert analyses and emphasises the need for supportive social initiatives and empowering solutions.

"Ultimately, each Sudanese in possession of this soft power must act as an ambassador of their homeland and realise that their culture is an integral part of the solution."

She describes the current crisis as "inevitable", adding: "With nearly 600 different cultures and 140 languages, co-existence is a must."

"If it were up to the Sudanese people themselves, such coexistence would have been easily achieved thanks to their tolerant and pacifist nature. This was the case throughout most of Sudan's history."

However, problems only arose "when external parties interfered in our affairs, motivated by their greed for power and wealth."

Read more: How successive conflicts have bankrupted the 'land of gold'

"The complexity of the current situation is rooted in the fact that both sides have the same greedy ambitions, and therefore, any agreement between them will be a ticking bomb."

She continues : "On the one hand, we have a militia that is mostly formed from mercenaries, and some Sudanese who suffered under the former regime and were misled into joining to settle scores and take revenge."

"On the other hand, there are those few members of the Sudanese army, particularly in leadership positions, who were enabled by the former regime as a token of their partisan affiliation. They follow an agenda that is inconsistent with the greater interests of Sudan and its people."

"Unfortunately, both civilians and military personnel are paying the price. These struggles for power and wealth and proxy wars on Sudanese territory are utterly shameful and unforgivable."

Read more: As fighting rages, Sudanese ask: Who is the army fighting?

Ann stresses the crucial role culture plays in promoting dialogue.

"We need to consciously work on utilising Sudan's rich cultural diversity in the service of our society. Culture and arts can help establish tolerance and help society thrive."

Sarah Muhammad

Writer Sarah Muhammad believes that "the Sudanese intelligentsia is a double-edged sword, as it could either serve or mislead the people, as is happening now."

"Literature and culture are inseparable from politics," she explains.

"In the diaspora, literary figures are always discussing conditions in our country and keeping a close eye on developments, utilising our literary platforms to spread awareness." 

Sarah says the Sudanese intelligentsia, including writers, "have often been exiled for being the unwavering voice of the Sudanese people. And today, too, we are doing our best to correct any misinformation through our social media platforms," she adds.

"Through it all, Sudanese women have been always on the front line because they put their interest of their country before personal interests. This is the key difference between us and the Sudanese politicians."

Read more: Sudan's leaders stoop to new levels of vanity

"Women's presence at the forefront of the Sudanese arena, including as doctors and activists providing safe shelters, medicine, and water, prove that Sudanese women have been playing a pivotal role since the revolution of 10 December."

Suzan Kashif

On her part, Sudanese novelist Suzan Kashif says: "While there were several signs pointing to a possible breakout of war, it still came as a surprise to me."

"It seems to be an inevitable war since several regional and international parties are involved — especially in light of the current global shifts and economic crises, let alone the Russian-Ukrainian war and its influence.

"Hence, the war in Sudan might be a result of global events, given Sudan's tremendous wealth of gold, petroleum, uranium, and vast arable lands."

Read more: In Sudan, he who has the gold makes the rules

"It is no wonder why regional and global parties are eager to seize that wealth. Some of them consider our country to be their backyard, while others are already looting Sudanese gold."

"This war was, therefore, instigated to prevent the establishment of a democratic system and civil institutions enshrined by a state of law that could put an end of all this chaos," says.

"The Sudanese people did not create this war themselves."