In pictures: Fleeing persecution in Sudan, dreaming of Britain
- Text by Ludovico Settembrini
- Photography by Ludovico Settembrini
Of the relationships I built with volunteers and refugees during my visits to the Jungle, it’s my time with the Zaghawa people sticks out.
The Zaghawa are a transnational ethnic group living mostly astride the border of Chad and Sudan, working the land for their livelihood for generations. In the 12th century their belief system was Animist, but they later converted to Islam, retaining strong links to their African heritage and identity.
In Sudan the Zaghawa can be found in Darfur, one of the tribes most persecuted in the on-going conflict that began to ravage the region back in February 2003; the repression of Darfur’s non-Arab population has caused the majority of the bloodhsed. The Zaghawa have been heavily persecuted by the Sudanese government – using the violence and torture of the Sudanese Army and through local Janjaweed militias.
This conflict has forced hundreds thousands Zaghawa to flee to refugee camps located in Chad and the Central African Republic, but others have headed in the direction of Europe. Many made the long and arduous journey to Europe through Libya to Italy, by crossing the Mediterranean Sea. Their destination was England – as a former British colony many Sudanese refugees speak English, have relatives here, and retain strong emotional ties to the country.
One day, as I was walking inside the Sudanese area of the Jungle, I crossed paths with some refugees who I’d met on a previous trip. One of them, Mohamed, greeted me kindly, and invited me to join him for a coffee. We talked for hours, about life in Sudan, his journey to Europe, and living conditions in the Jungle. We agreed to meet again the next day, and I soon got to know his community. Some of those I met were electronic engineers, teachers or historians. Many held jobs as aid workers and strategists for the UNHCR, others have completed Masters degrees at the University of Khartoum.
As I write, following a decision by the French authorities, their shelters and homes are being bulldozed. Once again their community again faces dissolution.
These photographs are an intimate window into the world the Zaghawa community have built for themselves, as the rest of the world continues to turn its back on them.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Latest on Huck
Meet the Paratriathlete who cheated death twice
A near fatal training crash ruined British Paralympian George Peasgood’s Paris 2024 plans. As he recovers, his life and outlook are changing – will LA 2028 be part of his future?
Written by: Sheridan Wilbur
A glimpse of life for women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule
‘NO WOMAN’S LAND’ has been awarded the prestigious 14th Carmignac Photojournalism Award and will be exhibited at the Réfectoire des Cordelieres in Paris this autumn.
Written by: Isaac Muk
In Photos: A decade growing up in pre-gentrification Lower East Side
A new photobook provides an up-close-and-personal look at the life of a Puerto Rican family, documenting them growing up as the world changed around them.
Written by: Isaac Muk
This summer taught us everything is... marketing
Months of historic political violence, memes, auras, and, of course, ‘brat’ has newsletter columnist Emma Garland asking if anything is real anymore?
Written by: Emma Garland
Rick Castro’s intimate portraits of love and remembrance
Columbarium Continuum is an ongoing exhibition of photographs displayed inside the two-story art nouveau columbarium of the iconic Hollywood Forever cemetery.
Written by: Miss Rosen
The disabled Flâneur forcing us to rethink our cities
This perspective-shifting short film follows Phil Waterworth, the wheelchair-bound urban explorer confronting a lack of accessibility in cities like Sheffield.
Written by: Alex King