An Overlooked Epic in Omdurman

By Al-Tayeb Qasim Al-Sayed

Omdurman lived through nine decisive days. This Sudanese city, a miniature crown of pride, a melting pot of cultures, and home to a diverse array of neighborhoods and districts, had people who came from different parts of Sudan – like me, from Al-Halfaya and Shambat, from Sinnar, Al-Jazeera, and other regions, from all corners of the country. The city welcomed them with the values and traits passed down by its people. It adorned itself with them, and its character was enriched with physical and spiritual beauty.

On the morning of that bright Monday, all of its neighborhoods were cut off from the electricity grid due to an unjust terrorist attack on the Meroe power station. Darkness prevailed, making it difficult to obtain drinking water. People rushed toward various water containers set up by the army and, thanks to the efforts of the Khartoum state authorities, the water was provided to fill the gaps caused by the suspension of the daily electricity supply to all areas.

Water was pumped from the taps of some affluent households equipped with generators, mosques, and facilities. Many mosques, with alternative lighting, allowed people to take water from their tanks and even permitted worshippers to charge their phones with generator electricity for specific periods before and after prayers.

The suffering was harsh and twofold, as people, young and old, men and women, crowded toward the water sources. The queues stretched on, moving forward and backward, with twists and turns like the coils of snakes. At times, they straightened, while at other moments, they swayed. People waited patiently in silence, enduring in those places from dawn to dusk, and into the night.

What was striking, astonishing, and even heartening, was that despite this exhausting struggle and long wait, no one was stressed or irritated, despite the war ignited by the Janjaweed and their civilian arm that served as their brutal tool, seeking to dismantle the national army, stir up troubles, create divisions, erase identities, and obliterate the country’s features.

These gatherings, waiting for water in containers of different sizes, shapes, and colors, saw people come together, growing in number, waiting without complaint. They reminisced and sometimes laughed, with no resentment among them. Even the young showed respect for the elderly, and the older generation imparted wisdom and counsel. They spoke of the injustices of the Janjaweed and their collaborators with disdain.

Despite their hardships, they remained undisturbed, trusting in the mercy and help of God. There was no gossip, no shouting protests, no accusations against the rulers, officials, or anyone in charge of their service.

They spoke of sports, politics, and other matters, cursing the invading tyrants and those who were lost in their delusions. With awareness and understanding, they dealt with the situation imposed on them by the oppressive forces and the brutal attacks from the notorious militia. Through their patience and awareness, they displayed unwavering values that transcended the attempts at agitation, manipulation, and indoctrination by those who thrived on conflicts and crises. The wise, noble people of Omdurman recognized these divisive forces and rose above them.

Thus, the people of Omdurman and its visitors gave us lessons in perception, an epic of values in awareness and evaluation, and a rejection of provocations. They thwarted the malicious intents of their adversaries, showing that our nation will no longer tolerate any form of kidnapping or manipulation. There is no place for opportunists, pretenders, or agents among us.

My country, I have grown accustomed to your ways…
I will not yearn for anyone but you.

Taken from Al-Muhqqiq