Celebrating Victory

In Khartoum, Omdurman, Bahri, Sennar, Medani, Al Jazeera, Al-Fasher, Al-Obeid, Babnusa, and beyond, our brave soldiers march from victory to victory, crushing the militias and reclaiming cities and towns. The militias are retreating, defeated and broken.

In a previous article, I mentioned that the nature of this battle is twofold. The first is the army’s battle to settle its own score with the rebels, who tried to defile its professionalism and military honor by attempting to seize its capital. This is a battle for the army and the special forces of the security apparatus, as they are the ones who will settle the score with the militia. Trying to defeat the army in front of the people is a grave mistake. The army alone knows how to restore its dignity, which the militia sought to tarnish in front of the people.

The second aspect of this battle concerns us civilians who long to return to our cities and homes. That return, I believe, is near and its time has come.

Every day, I receive many calls from outside Sudan—some from friends and acquaintances, others from people I don’t know—all eagerly asking about the time of our return.

Yes, we will return soon, and we will celebrate like never before.

I wrote an article on May 15, 2023, just a month after the militia’s rebellion, titled “We Will Sing and Celebrate”. That wasn’t wishful thinking or baseless optimism. It was based on my knowledge of the Sudanese army and its men, and an unshakable confidence in our people. Though I may not know the army as well as its leaders, and I haven’t had the honor of serving in its ranks, I certainly know the people from whom these soldiers emerged, and that’s enough. That’s why I wrote, with unwavering certainty, that we will sing and celebrate victory.

Now, with victory within arm’s reach, as the Commander-in-Chief tours the outskirts of Khartoum Bahri inspecting his troops, we must prepare ourselves for unprecedented celebrations across the nation.

I have tried repeatedly to imagine the scale and scope of the victory celebrations, but I’ve failed. What is coming surpasses all description and imagination. The pain, suffering, and grief caused by the militia to everyone will only be alleviated by celebrations lasting for months… I have failed to imagine the hysteria of joy and tears that will accompany them. I am certain they will be unmatched in our history, and I pray that I live long enough to witness them.

As we anticipate victory, I hope everyone—artists, folk groups, athletes, preachers, mosque imams, students and teachers, activists, housewives—in short, all of us, prepare to celebrate. We must dazzle the world with our celebrations, as this is a new birth for our people, and our festivities must match that significance. We must showcase our best in arts, literature, speeches, and festivals. We need to prove to the world that we are a people worthy of life.

Of course, the army and the state will have their own celebrations, but I’m talking about the popular celebrations organized by the citizens in cities and villages. Everyone must rush to participate and attend, for our people have made tremendous sacrifices that deserve grand celebrations.

Everyone should start preparing for the celebrations now. We stand on the threshold of a victory that will change our nation, change Africa, and shift many global dynamics.

Line up, may God have mercy on you, for victory is near!

This land is ours.