New Technology Helping to Build a Culture of Peace

Despite infrastructure challenges posed by the ongoing conflict, new communications technologies, such as smartphones and social media, are proliferating in Darfur and contributing to positive change.

By Sharon Lukunka

An increasing number of young Darfuris, boys and girls alike, especially students in secondary schools and universities, are using mobile phones not only to talk with family and friends, but also to access social media, listen to radio shows, read news, download videos and message people with smartphone apps such as Skype, Viber and WhatsApp.

Sadiq Mohammed, a secondary school student at Al Wathirk private school in El Fasher, North Darfur, uses a mobile phone to keep in touch with his family and friends. “I usually call my mother to let her know my whereabouts before and after school,” he says, explaining that his phone is an essential feature of his life in Darfur, especially because of the conflict.

Similarly, Osman Ahmed Abdalla, a university student who lives with his uncle in El Fasher, received his first mobile phone three years ago as a gift from his father so he could stay in regular contact with his parents. Prior to owning a phone, Osman says he would visit his family and friends in person, which required the expense and time associated with travel.

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Residents of El Sereif, North Darfur, take photos with their mobile phones at a cultural and sports event organized by UNAMID as part of a “We Need Peace Now” campaign. An increasing number of young Darfuris, especially students in secondary schools and universities in the region, are using mobile phones to communicate with friends and family. Photo by Albert González Farran, UNAMID.