In pictures: Fleeing persecution in Sudan, dreaming of Britain
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
Halloween in Brooklyn, photographed over 50 years
Spirits and soul — Larry Racioppo’s new book documents half a century of the October festivities in New York, while tracing the city’s ever-changing character.
Cruising on the West Side Piers, New York’s wild side
West Side Highway — In the late 20th century, the area was an if-you-know-you-know hotspot for the city’s gay scene. William Howell’s new photobook immortalises it.
Ahilya Bamroo is Gen Z India’s authentic ambassador
Reel relatable — The influencer turned actor speaks about trolls, beauty standards and youth activism.
What went down at Huck’s 20th birthday party
84 issues and counting — We took over east London’s Jaguar Shoes with friends old and new to celebrate two decades and our new issue, with Tony Bontana taking the decks for a special set.
Inside the Los Angeles scene kid revival
The Rawring ’20s — For the cover of Huck 84, photographer Alexis Gross and writer Anna Zanes meet the latest faces of scene, who are finding freedom to express themselves through its technicolour, unafraid aesthetic.
Introducing our new issue of Huck Magazine: It Starts With Us
Huck 84 — For our second 20th anniversary issue, we spotlight 20 people and groups providing the world with a hopeful future.
