Sudanese Refugee Finds Community in Mogadishu During Ramadan

Forced to flee Sudan due to the ongoing conflict, academic Ishag Ali Mohamed has found a new sense of belonging in Mogadishu, Somalia. Leaving everything behind, he sought refuge in the Somali capital, where he now teaches Arabic at the Somali Digital Media Academy.

Mogadishu’s Sudanese community has provided Mohamed with a welcoming environment, and this sense of togetherness becomes even more profound during Ramadan. The holy month brings people together over traditional iftar meals, where Sudanese families prepare dishes like aseeda and balila, reinforcing their cultural ties despite being far from home.

In addition to communal meals, the Sudanese community in Mogadishu organizes an annual five-a-side football tournament during Ramadan, welcoming Somali participants as well. Speaking at one of the matches, Mohamed expressed the joy these activities bring: “You can feel the love that unites us here. Ramadan is filled with meaningful moments, making it seem as though we are not in a foreign land.” This year, eight teams are competing, with the knockout stages progressing over the weekend.

However, Mohamed’s journey to safety in Somalia was filled with hardship. In 2023, Sudan was thrown into turmoil when tensions between the national military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces escalated into full-scale conflict. Trapped in his home for months, Mohamed and his family endured constant bombardments. One particularly harrowing experience was when an explosive shell struck their house, tearing down walls and causing widespread destruction. “It was terrifying. The entire neighborhood thought we had not survived,” he recalled.

The war in Sudan has had a devastating toll, claiming the lives of at least 20,000 people, though the true number is believed to be much higher. Additionally, more than 14 million people have been displaced, with famine worsening the humanitarian crisis.

Despite these challenges, Mohamed has found solace in Mogadishu, where shared traditions and a strong community spirit have helped him rebuild his life.