Defying Connectivity Blackouts: A Tale from Sudan

Introduction

In October, I had the honour of being invited to lend a hand to the Wikimedia Sudan Usergroup as a Strategic Mentor. The task was to transition from emergency response to a more stable structure. Amidst the complexities of Sudan, this was no straightforward endeavour.

A New Era for Wikimedia Sudan

Before this initiative, the Wikimedia Sudan community was in “Survival Mode.” Brave efforts were made, yet scattered. Individual editors faced daily trauma from the ongoing war. The 2025 Training Program was born out of necessity, aiming to regain control and establish independence.

Building a Foundation

Over the last five years, the Sudanese have been “digging through rock” to lay the groundwork. Recent success is not sudden but the result of persistent effort. Drafting bylaws, establishing governance, and planning workflows were vital steps toward this achievement.

The 2025 Training Program

The usergroup organised a 35-hour training program, orchestrated by Mervat Salman and other trainers. Organising this effort required meticulous planning and teamwork, especially in challenging circumstances.

Overcoming Isolation

Sudan’s conflict has led to a cruel isolation. Yet, partnerships with the Nile Valley Initiative and Wiki Love Monuments have helped reconnect the Sudanese community to the wider ecosystem. This program became a bridge, offering a sense of belonging.

A Community in Transition

Wikimedia Sudan has transformed from reactive chaos to proactive stability. With the right governance structure, they have shown that a community can do more than just survive a war. They can also curate and preserve their history.

Digital Preservation: A New Role

In a country where traditional archives are at risk, digital preservation has taken on a new significance. The community’s role as a “Digital Ark” began to blossom, meticulously documenting their surroundings with a new perspective.

The Spirit of the Movement

The trainers and core team of the usergroup demonstrated a deep commitment to their cause. This spirit reinforced the group’s cohesion, even amidst adversity. The ongoing support from the broader movement ensured they did not face challenges alone.

A Radical Act

In the face of destruction, the act of building anew is truly radical. The training not only changed articles but profoundly impacted the participants. Sudan’s Wikimedians have indeed engineered hope from improbability.

Conclusion

Sudan’s Wikimedia community stands as a testament to resilience and innovation. By transitioning from turmoil to stability, they’ve crafted a narrative of success. Construction, amidst destruction, remains the most radical act.

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