MENA Solidarity held a session on Saturday, July 20, 2024, in the International Tent at the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival 2024. The session focused on how trade unionists can collaborate with activists in the Global South to create effective solidarity through media platforms and communication strategies, challenging mainstream media narratives. The discussion featured a case study on campaigns supporting the Sudanese struggle for democracy and social justice.

Anne Alexander, co-editor of Middle East Solidarity magazine and website and a UCU member, opened the session with an introduction to MENA Solidarity’s work, highlighting why it is crucial to provide spaces for the voices of activists from the Middle East at a time when the mainstream media systematically presents a distorted picture.

Khalid Sidahmed, an anti-war campaigner, member of the editorial board of MENA Solidarity Network, Equality Officer at Unite the Union, member of Portsmouth Trades Council, provided background on the Sudanese revolution and the war. He detailed how MENA Solidarity established strong relationships with Sudanese trade unions, resistance committees, and revolutionary forces both within and outside Sudan. He shared how exchanging solidarity messages between Sudan and Britain at picket lines, conferences, and events has been mutually beneficial and helped both sides learn from each other’s experiences. He also discussed MENA Solidarity’s Sudan solidarity conferences in 2021, 2022, and 2023, which created crucial spaces for discussing strategies and coordination and building stronger solidarity ties.

Sidahmed, who is also a member of the General Assembly of the Sudanese Workers Alliance for the Restoration of Trade Unions, delivered a solidarity message from the alliance to British workers and unions at the festival, showcasing the importance of building solidarity.

Photos of solidarity actions from Sudan and Britain were shared with the audience as evidence of this collaboration.

The audience then divided into three groups to discuss the session. A key issue raised was the lack of reliable information sources in English, with suggestions included using alternative platforms, videos and podcasts.

After the feedback, the floor was opened for questions and comments. Jon Woods, Chair of Portsmouth Trade Unions Council, mentioned that delivering solidarity messages from Sudan by MENA Solidarity members at local picket lines and events has helped people understand more about Sudan and build links with its revolutionary forces.

The audience’s feedback and comments will help us improve information reach and build stronger solidarity links.

Resources and background:

Listen to this interview to learn more about what is happening in Sudan.

For more information and resources, access our Stop the War in Sudan toolkit and sign the postcard addressed to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urging the British government to support the Sudanese people.

Share this motion with your union branch and advocate for its adoption: Model Motion – Stand with Sudan: Stop the War, Support the People

Download resources:

• ‘Stopping Sudan’s hidden war’ Sudan Update March 2024 – download the leaflet >>here
• ‘Why is there a war in Sudan?’ Sudan Update May 2023 – download the leaflet >>here
• ‘Stop the war in Sudan’ Sudan Update April 2023 – download the leaflet >>here
• Stop the war in Sudan / Refugees welcome A4 poster – download >>here