Developing a National Strategy to Combat Ethnic and Tribal Identity-Based Hate Speech in Sudan

Hate speech based on ethnic and tribal identity is one of the most dangerous drivers of violence and armed conflict in Sudan. It goes beyond being just a verbal expression and has become a strategic political weapon used to fuel divisions and justify atrocities. Since the onset of the war in April 2023, this form of discourse has proliferated, particularly on social media platforms, threatening the fragile social fabric and complicating peace and negotiation initiatives. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of hate speech in Sudan. It draws on an exhaustive review of reports from international organizations and researchers. It includes quantitative and qualitative analysis of 213 Facebook, X, and TikTok posts between April 15, 2023, and May 15, 2024. The study utilized artificial intelligence models for content classification and identified a prevalence of hate speech associated with ethnic and tribal identity. The results showed that 55.87% of the examined posts were classified as hate speech, indicating concerning levels of identity-based insults and reciprocal accusations that dehumanize adversaries. These findings reflect the growing attention in international and regional reports and appeals that monitor this trend and its connection to violence and war. The study concludes that the lack of a legal framework, the weakness of both official and public will, and the absence of effective monitoring mechanisms have all contributed to the spread of hate speech. The paper advocates for implementing a comprehensive national strategy to address hate speech. This involves establishing a robust legal framework that clearly defines hate speech within the specific context of Sudan, in conjunction with awareness campaigns to educate citizens, journalists, and civil society organizations on how to address it. The study also stresses the importance of monitoring and analyzing this kind of speech using advanced tools and artificial intelligence to create early warning systems and quickly identify key actors.