Art is a message for coexistence and peace in Darfur

The Jankab cultural group in the city of El Geneina, West Darfur, is trying, through theatrical, lyrical and folkloric arts, to spread a culture of coexistence, peace and acceptance of the other, in a local community suffering from armed tribal conflicts.

With almost negligible capabilities, the group, consisting of nine girls and thirteen young men, is trying to fight ugliness with the beauty of arts, amid fires, blood and tears in West Darfur.

The “Jankab” group, which means “mowing the lawn”, overlooks from above the mountains of the city of El-Geneina, riddled with civil strife, and is working hard to spread a new spirit in the social components of the city.

The head of the “Jancap” group, Elias Ibrahim, told “Sky News Arabia” that the band was founded in 2017 and is working to spread a culture of peace, coexistence and acceptance of the other.

The artistic troupe works in complex and difficult conditions, and its members strive to work on different creative fronts, to present dramatic and folkloric shows that deal not only with the heritage of Darfur, but also with folk dances from all over the country, in support of peaceful coexistence away from hatred and violence.
Researchers believe that the cultural role in a region that has experienced widespread unrest, such as Darfur, plays a crucial role in calming.

The researcher in Sudanese heritage, Fadlallah Ahmed Abdullah, explains that the well-known conditions in Darfur have left fragility and security gaps in the community.

The Sudanese researcher adds to “Sky News Arabia”: “Art plays a role in the installation of things and pushes the industry of life.”

Despite the formidable obstacles facing this band and others in Darfur, the artists say they are determined to continue their efforts to mend the social fabric and help stem the bloodshed.