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.
Gibril, 28 years old, peels potatoes for lunch.
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.
Adam, 23 years old.
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.
Sudanese refugees after collecting food from the camp’s distribution centre.
Khalil, 25 years old.
Mohamed takes a call while drinking his coffee.
Playing football at the camp.
A refugee holds exploded tear gas canisters beside the Banksy mural at the entrance to The Jungle.
Abdul hangs out his clothes.
In the evening Ahmad stays in his shelter, using his phone to speak with relatives and friends.
Toiletries stored outdoors.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
Jesse Glazzard’s messy portrait of queer friends, lovers and chosen family
The Sound of Dirt and Beauty — The photographer’s debut monograph explores tender, unpolished moments shaped by the people who he surrounds himself with, while offering a window into the UK’s working-class LGBTQ+ community.
Written by: Sunny Sunday
Behind the curtain at Alternative Miss World 1981
Olympia glamour — Running a subversive take on the traditional beauty pageant, the Andrew Logan organised event prioritised underground creativity and invention. Photographer David Corio went behind the scenes at its biggest edition.
Written by: Miss Rosen
The battle for the soul of lockpicking
Under locksport and key — In recent years, breaking locks for fun has grown from a niche hobby into an activity followed by millions of people. As it has matured, so have tensions over who sets the rules.
Written by: Jack Dennison-Thompson
What life on the Strait of Hormuz is really like
Southern Winds — Bandar Abbas based photographer Morteza Niknahad has been capturing the diverse communities and stories of his local region since he first picked up a camera. His new series highlights the human impact of war.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Nick Haymes’s intimate portrait of his family’s life
Chronograph — Over 25 years, the photographer documented his son’s lives as they grew into adults. The resulting photobook is an exploration of the passage of time, as well as the optimism of youth.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Kristina Rozhkova’s scatty, confronting portrait of captivity
Gut Feeling — The Russian artist’s 2024 arrest and subsequent detention opened her eye towards the omnipresent dynamics of power and control. Her new photobook is a stark exploration of being trapped.
Written by: Isaac Muk
