Stories of Return The Tuti Mobilization: Reviving a Long Tradition of Collective Action| Sudanow Magazine

Khartoum – (Sudanow)

Amid the challenges facing Sudanese society in the aftermath of war and the exceptional circumstances endured by the Sudanese people, numerous community initiatives have emerged across different regions of the country. These initiatives have reaffirmed the authenticity, generosity, and resilience of the Sudanese spirit, as well as the deep commitment of people to their local communities.

Such initiatives have become beacons of hope, working to rebuild social bonds and strengthen cooperation among community members. Among the most prominent of these efforts is the initiative “Tuti First and Last,” led by the youth of Tuti Island with sincere dedication and with the support of fellow islanders both at home and abroad. It is a pioneering humanitarian and social initiative that has worked across several fields to serve the people of Tuti and help restore essential services and stability to the community.

In this context, the initiative has made significant efforts to facilitate the voluntary return of Tuti residents from Egypt, in a humanitarian gesture that has been widely welcomed and appreciated by the island’s residents. So far, the initiative has organized twenty buses traveling from Cairo to Sudan, helping more than 900 people return safely to their homes on the island. Throughout the journey, the returning families were provided with care and logistical support to ensure their safe and comfortable arrival.

The initiative has also distributed Ramadan food baskets to 850 families on the island. These baskets included essential food supplies needed by Sudanese households during the holy month, helping families meet their daily needs while observing the fast.

Efforts by the initiative have further extended to restoring basic services, particularly water and electricity, which had suffered severe damage and disruption during the war. Thanks to the dedication of Tuti’s engineers and technicians, electricity has gradually been restored to many neighborhoods on the island. Working tirelessly and with remarkable perseverance, these young professionals succeeded in bringing light back to the island. As electricity returned neighborhood by neighborhood, celebrations erupted—ululations echoed through the streets, and the joy of children and families filled the air.

Today, thanks to the efforts of its youth, Tuti Island is witnessing the restoration of most essential services. Meanwhile, community kitchens—supported by Tuti expatriates abroad—continue to provide food assistance to residents in need.

Residents have expressed deep appreciation for the “Tuti First and Last” initiative and for all the young volunteers who have worked selflessly to serve their community. Special recognition is also given to the electricity workers from the island—often referred to locally as the “Blue Army”—who continue working day and night to restore power across remaining areas. Among them are the distinguished technician Dafalla Siraj Al-Nour, engineers Ahmed Mohammed Mirghani and Alaa Al-Din Khojali Al-Siraj, along with Hassan Seif Al-Dawla Al-Batran, Muhannad Khojali Al-Siraj, Hajj Ali Abdel-Wadoud, Ibrahim Al-Amin Al-Rabbati, Ahmed Mirghani (Karkab), and administrator Mahjoub Omar Abbas, as well as many others who serve their community quietly and with dedication.

This youth-led initiative once again reflects the character and enduring values of the people of Tuti. It also demonstrates how the younger generation continues to follow in the footsteps of their ancestors, preserving the long-standing traditions of collective mobilization (“Nafeer”) and community solidarity for which the island has been known throughout its history, particularly in times of Nile flooding.

Tuti Island lies at the confluence of the Blue Nile and the White Nile in the heart of Sudan’s capital. It is uniquely situated between the three cities that form Greater Khartoum: Khartoum, Omdurman, and Khartoum North (Bahri). Covering approximately 950 feddans, the island is known for its lush greenery and scenic beauty. For decades, it has been a favorite destination for swimming and recreation among Khartoum residents and visitors alike.

Throughout its history, Tuti has produced a remarkable number of scholars, jurists, educators, artists, and poets who have contributed significantly to Sudan’s educational, cultural, and religious life. Many of them have held prominent positions in the country, giving the island a distinguished place in Sudan’s intellectual and cultural landscape.

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