How the Sudanese Community of Omaha Was Founded
From a gathering at a Quran recitation in 2012 to an organized body bringing together thousands of Sudanese in Omaha. This page is based on the testimony of Nasir Kabbashi, one of the founders and a member of the first executive office.
- 2012
The idea begins
A group of Sudanese gathered for a Quran completion (khatma) at the Somali community's mosque; at the time, Sudanese met in other communities' facilities. A discussion arose about the importance of an independent Sudanese body to bring together the Sudanese of Omaha and organize their activities, and those present welcomed the idea.
- Founding meetings
From “Souq Alsudan” to the University of Nebraska
A meeting was set at a place known as “Souq Alsudan” (the Sudan Market), but the attendees found it closed and agreed to meet again. The idea was then presented more widely at a meeting most likely held at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO), where participants agreed to create an organized executive office to run the community's affairs.
- The elders' word
The role of the late Hashim Altuhami
The founders were keen to involve the community's elders, and invited the late Hashim Altuhami to speak at one of the meetings. He called for uniting the Sudanese, working in a collective spirit, and rejecting regional and tribal division, so that Sudanese abroad would be one hand. His words were widely welcomed and boosted enthusiasm for the project.
- The first office
Forming the first executive office
Position Name Head of the executive office Dr. Adil Vice President Ahmed Adam Media officer Mohamed Arbab Social officer Nasir Kabbashi Others took part in running the various offices and sharing responsibilities.
- Challenges
Building trust and widening participation
Some community members from different regions had reservations at first, so the founders visited them at home, listened to their views, and assured them that the community is a body for all Sudanese. These efforts led to wider participation, and some groups chose representatives on the executive office.
- First activities
Eids, sports and family gatherings
The community began organizing Eid celebrations, gatherings for families, youth and children, and sports activities. One of the most notable was a gathering in South Omaha with wide participation and transportation provided; Nasir Kabbashi describes that period as one of the community's best.
Those who took part in the founding
Nasir Kabbashi named those he could remember; the list does not include all the founders:
- Khalid Khalafalla
- Najmeldin Hamid (Firaoun)
- Alhaj Jaber
- Mohamed Arbab
- Ahmed Adam
- Nasir Kabbashi
Succession of presidents
Executive Office
Dr. Adil (first president, about a year) → Ahmed Farouk (about a year) → a period not yet documented → Murtada Majthoub (about 2019–2020, first term) → Dr. Ibrahim Yagoub (two terms) → Abdulbari Altijani (since June 2026).
Board of Directors (Board of Trustees)
During Murtada Majthoub's first term (about 2019–2020), Dr. Ibrahim Yagoub was the community's secretary general. Details of the board's leadership in that period are on the page Board of Trustees.
The principles the community was built on
Unity
Bringing all Sudanese under one umbrella, away from regional and tribal affiliations, while respecting the diversity of their regions and backgrounds.
Solidarity and volunteering
Strengthening cooperation and mutual help, and relying on members' efforts and initiatives to organize activities.
Participation and identity
Encouraging all groups and families to take part in running the community, and preserving Sudanese culture abroad.
This history is based on oral testimonies, and the years are approximate. We are collecting old documents, photos and minutes to complete it; anyone with information or photos from that period is welcome to contact the Media Office.