Today, the “Kampala Cultural Week” kicked off, organized by the Sudanese Group for the Defense of Rights and Freedoms in partnership with the Darfur Victims Advocacy Organization and the African Organization for Rights and Development, under the theme: “Peaceful Civil Dialogue as a Path to Achieving Stability and Peace.”
The events will run until May 30 at the headquarters of the African Organization in Kampala, with participation from human rights activists, politicians, academics, and journalists from Sudan and South Sudan.
The first day featured a discussion session on the novel “The Story of Joseph’s Execution” by Dr. Diouf Matok, attended by the author and representatives of participating organizations. In his opening remarks, Mohamed Latif, director of Tayba Press, described the novel as a documentary work highlighting historical events. He stated, “This novel reflects the simple Sudanese individual who embodies religious and cultural diversity… It reinforces the possibility of uniting Sudan despite challenges.”
Dr. Diouf Matok, the book’s author, explained that the novel aims to encourage reading through simple storytelling in everyday Sudanese dialect, noting, “It’s not an academic work but rather an attempt to inspire young people and present thought-provoking ideas.” He added, “The response from Egyptian readers to Sudanese dialect was remarkable, proving that the Arab region is capable of embracing our diversity.”
Adam Musa Obama, director of the Darfur Victims Advocacy Organization, emphasized the role of civil organizations in peace-building, saying, “This cultural week embodies the connections between one people living in two countries… The governments of South Sudan and Uganda welcomed Sudanese refugees with open hearts, and this cultural dialogue serves as an entry point for addressing conflicts.”
Nafisa Hajar, representative of the Sudanese Group for the Defense of Rights and Freedoms, highlighted the strategic partnership among the three organizations, affirming their continued legal support for victims of violations in Sudan. She added, “We have worked since the 1990s to protect freedoms, and we will expand our partnerships with all human rights entities.”
The African Organization: The Events Are Part of Efforts to Support Refugees
Fadil Ahmed, a representative of the African Organization for Rights and Development, stated that the activities fall within their programs for supporting peace, education, and human rights. He remarked, “We have implemented joint projects with our partners to support Sudanese refugees and South Sudanese communities, and we aim to enhance dialogue through literature and the arts.”
Conclusion
The event is expected to feature book exhibitions and workshops on the role of culture in peace-building, with participants reaffirming that such initiatives rekindle hope in uniting peoples despite political borders.
