Messages of #LoveFromSudan

Sudan has become nearly synonymous with internal strife in the past years, but on the occasion of South Sudan’s independence on July 9, a group of northerners reached out to give their support to their former countrymen and new neighbours to the south. Both in an online video and with a Twitter hashtag, the northerners have been expressing their “love from Sudan.”

In a project begun by blogger Mo Elzubeir, Sudanese from the north were invited to record video messages for the citizens of the world’s newest nation to the south. Asking for submissions on his blog and on a message board he wrote: “This is an open call to any Sudanese who would like to send a message of love to our brothers and sisters of South Sudan.”

The resulting video, posted to YouTube the day the South became independent, features various people speaking to the camera or holding up text cards. Leena Khalifa recorded a message saying, “I really do hope this independence brings you the peace you’ve fought so long for. I wish you nothing but luck and I can’t wait to visit.”

Many messages were hand-written text cards held before the camera. Dallia Abdel-Moniem displayed a succession of signs that read: “Happy Birthday. The world welcomes its 196th member. We’re all still Sudanese no matter what the borders say!”

While all the messages emphasised support for the new nation, some included regret over the division of the Sudanese state. Omnia Shawkat said, “I’m really sorry that we couldn’t be one peaceful, united, and prosperous country, but I wish you all the success and I hope you become one of the beacon countries in this continent.”

On the message board where Elzubeir first posted his callout, not all of the messages were positive. Commenter Ooppss wrote: “We lost plenty of souls and dollars in return for their independence (they ultimately won the battle) and I would feel hypocritical and undignified if I consider kissing their behinds now...” Some from the south were unhappy with the gesture as well. Commenter Bany wrote: “Love for South Sudan? What kind of love is this?…I know you are just mocking us but you know; we don't give a krunk about your love, hate, or whatever you call it.”

The conversation also spread to Twitter, via the hashtag #LoveFromSudan.

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Thumbnail image: A woman carries a South Sudan flag for the Independence Day celebrations in the capital Juba July 9, 2011. [Reuters]

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