What is your background/back story?
I was born and raised in Sudan, I lived there for two years and then moved to Saudi Arabia before going back to Sudan. I moved to the UK with my family at the age of 13. We moved to Newcastle as my dad is a doctor and there was a shortage of doctors. I am now in my final year of a Pharmacy degree at Sunderland University.
Why should people be concerned about what is happening in Sudan?
“Sudan has been plunged into one of its most severe humanitarian crises as a brutal war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The two groups having a tug of war at the moment and have forgotten about civilian life.
“Since the conflict’s outbreak in April 2023, Sudan’s capital Khartoum and surrounding regions such as Darfur and Kordofan have seen massive displacement and destruction. Currently, there are 5.6 million refugees and there are also internally displaced people in Sudan.
“People have gone to neighbouring countries like Chad and Egypt, but people are struggling to get into other countries, as there are so many refugees, but my family got visas to get into Egypt while half are still in Al-Jazirah state where things are very scary right now.
“The situation has led to severe food shortages, widespread disease, and disastrous living conditions across refugee camps. Currently, more than 25 million Sudanese face acute food insecurity, with famine-like conditions emerging in some regions.
“A recent cholera outbreak, combined with recent devastating floods, has left thousands displaced and intensified the humanitarian emergency, with health organisations working tirelessly under severely restricted conditions.150,000 people have been killed so far.
For example, two or three weeks ago 500 civilians were slaughtered in one village in Al-Jazirah, while 130 women took their lives to avoid sexual abuse by the rapid support force. Generally, there has been a rise in sexual violence against women in Sudan. It has not been covered well in the media because there are not the journalists there.
“There are now only one or two British journalists in Sudan. Consequently, there is a lot of missing information we don’t know the logistics of what is happening and if nothing is done there are going to be devastating results, and we need to get aid in and there needs to be a ceasefire.”
How long have you worked to raise awareness about what is happening in Sudan?
“My whole life is about raising awareness about Sudan. There have been revolutions and dictatorships overturned, but also civil war. Some people do not want to see Sudan moving on. Money is playing a massive role in the war as it is in every war.
Ever since 2023 we have been trying to get information through different social media, but sometimes this is being shut down. We have had to change the titles of pieces or put screenshot text on to get it out to people. AI is not helping either. We have found out about things through personal experiences being displayed on Twitter or X but there is no content there now in my area. We have to wait for our family to contact us and it is not easy.”
What do you do to raise awareness about Sudan?
“On 9th November protests were organised throughout the UK. As much as we can, we spread the word about what is happening in Sudan. We speak to people, educate and build momentum.”
Can you tell me about successes?
“I ran for Newcastle City Council for Labour in Gosforth and was the youngest ever candidate at 22 years old. In the local election I came third but got some of the highest votes in Gosforth for Labour ever. It was a good experience, and it taught me about politics and in its own way was a great success.
“I mentioned Sudan in the campaign and the MP Chi Onwurah and Habib Rahman, who was lord and mayor of Newcastle at the time, were good advocates, making a real effort regarding Sudan. When I was only 15, I worked with Show Racism the Red Card and was their first ambassador. I got involved in good activities with Show Racism the Red Card, including an educational film, which gets viewed in lots of schools in the UK, talking about Black History Month aren’t Islamophobia. It’s been great.
Can you tell me about your plans for the future? What other initiatives are you involved in? Which other organisations do you work with?
“I am part of the young Sudanese group made up from families who came here and are British nationals. We always talk about what could happen next and we keep Sudan being talked about.”
Why is your work important?
“Everyone should feel I need to be educated around the world about human rights on be grateful. People should be actively help trying to help people get equal chances.
“Sometimes some people have a lack of self-awareness not thinking about the future or thinking about others. This can have an impact on future generations.”
What would be your vision of a better future for people in the Northeast and the country and the world as a whole?
“The Northeast has been my home for many years. I would like to see more diversity and inclusion and the tackling of real issues. I would like to see an improvement in the situation around child poverty and more help with youth provision because we need to help young people more.
“In terms of the world, I would like to see genuine peace impulsive the world wherever there’s war and to make sure that the International Criminal Court is holding people accountable for the actions.”
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