Ikhlas Mohammed is the Sudanese youth leader with USIP’s Middle East & Africa team. Prior to joining USIP in September 2014, Ikhlas was working with the United Nations and African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), first as a translator in Zalingei from 2010-2013, then with the security section. She was also the communication and coordination secretary in UNAMID’s National Staff Association, and is responsible for publishing Nafaj Magazine, which discusses staff concerns in UNMAID as well as sociocultural issues for local citizens in Zalingei. Ikhlas also worked as a volunteer teacher with the Sudanese National Association for the Blind, from 2007- 2010.
Ikhlas has her bachelor’s degree in English language from the University of Juba, and a master’s degree in Gender and Migration studies from Ahfad University for Women in Sudan.
Her research interests are on women in peace and war, and the role of national and international NGOs in Darfur. Ikhlas is an aspiring writer and has many short stories about Darfurian society in war and peace and she has recently finished editing a novel, A Woman with No Land, to be published soon.
During her fellowship at USIP, Ikhlas will conduct research on women’s roles in conflict resolution in Darfur. When she returns to Sudan, Ikhlas plans to help rebuild and furnish the schools in Zalingei’s IDPs camps, as well as help women in establishing small businesses. Ikhlas’ fellowship extends until February 2015.