The Sports Initiative in El-Geneina, the capital of West Darfur State, has organized a sports tournament with the aim of reviving the city. The competition commenced two days ago with a match between West El-Geneina and South Al-Wadi teams from the Abu Rendi area. The city has been divided into eight sectors to compete in this tournament.
Omar Abdullah Karma, the official spokesperson for the Sports Initiative and Activities Secretary, told Radio Tamazuj that they have been coordinating with the states of Central, South, and East Darfur to organize a sports tournament involving the four Darfur states, excluding North Darfur due to security concerns. The tournament has been postponed until after the Eid al-Adha holiday for further arrangements.
“After discussions, it was agreed to implement the sector tournament to fill the gap, stimulate activity, and strengthen social bonds, as well as to enable the organizing committee to select the El-Geneina team,” Omar stated.
He emphasized that the tournament is supervised by the Sports Initiative, which was established to address the sports void resulting from the suspension of state institutions and is responsible for managing sports activities in the state.
Omar revealed that Al-Hilal Nyala Club has reached out to the Sports Initiative, expressing readiness to participate in events in El-Geneina. Additionally, he confirmed plans for a tournament involving all four Darfur states after Eid al-Adha, alongside a significant cultural event. Omar urged the public to attend El-Geneina Stadium to support the teams directly.
Coach Osman Abdullah Shosha, representing the Central Team comprising neighbourhoods such as Al-Salam, Al-Emtidad, Al-Riyadh, and Al-Wihda, expressed scepticism about the tournament’s potential impact on peaceful coexistence and community development. He stated, “I don’t think the tournament will achieve its goals in terms of peaceful coexistence, and it won’t add much to the community of the state.” Despite his reservations, Shosha acknowledged the significant public turnout.
Journalist Ibrahim Ismail emphasized the importance of the tournament in fostering a sense of belonging and healthy competition among neighbourhood sectors. He stressed the need to elevate the role of media in sports communities.
While acknowledging the tournament’s achievements, Ibrahim noted ongoing efforts to enhance technical conditions and incorporate sectors within the city.
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has been at war with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), headed by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, since 15 April 2023.
The hostilities, which began over plans to fold the RSF into the military, killed thousands of people, with 10,000-15,000 killed in el-Geneina alone, according to UN experts.
The RSF has seized all areas of the western region of Darfur except for El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State, which is controlled by the army.