Even in the heart of war and misery, Sudanese people continue to display a disarming sense of humor. I recently came across a viral phrase:
"A soldier who had breakfast for one dollar shot down a strategic drone worth four million dollars."
Behind this irony lies a profound truth: this tested yet lucid people have never lost their ability to turn tragedy into satire, nor their belief in their own strength.
Yesterday, I told a friend that despite the horror of the conflict — especially the unforgivable massacres committed in El-Fasher by the RSF — Sudanese remain closer to development than many peaceful nations like Chad, the Central African Republic, or Congo. Their collective intelligence, resilience, and work ethic are remarkable. When I see how they exchange contradictions — fiercely, yet with respect and objectivity — on social media and in political spheres, I am convinced Sudanese will eventually forge a brave peace and resume their forward march as if nothing had happened.
Even in the midst of war, the country shows astonishing signs of vitality: 64 tons of gold produced in 2024, over 300 factories already back in operation. These are not just numbers — they are the heartbeat of a people who refuse to die, who continue to produce, laugh, and hope.
Sudan reminds us that development is not merely a matter of political stability or natural wealth. At the end of October, I attended a security conference in Addis, where a former head of state asked Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister how the country had achieved such rapid development. The minister replied: through solidarity and human intelligence. He revealed that in 2000, Ethiopia created an Institute of Human Intelligence that became the spearhead of its progress. Today, the country is energy self-sufficient and sells its surplus to neighbors, starting with Somalia. But above all, it is a will to live.
This conflict affects us. Indifference is a crime. Our contribution must be directed toward the pursuit of peace — without taking sides.
Dr. Ahmat Yacoub
