Ishag Ali Mohamed, a Sudanese academic, abandoned his homeland due to ongoing conflict. Despite this, he discovered a profound sense of community in Somalia that provided him with solace and a new home. He holds a PhD and has made a life for himself in Mogadishu, where he is employed as an Arabic teacher at the Somali Digital Media Academy.
Mohamed feels a strong bond with the significant Sudanese community in Mogadishu, which intensifies during the holy month of Ramadan. During this time, the community comes together to break the fast at the iftar meal, sharing beloved dishes like aseeda and balila.
Each year during Ramadan, the Sudanese community arranges a five-a-side football tournament that includes local Somali players. Mohamed described the camaraderie of the event from the sidelines of one match, with eight teams participating and the knockout rounds taking place over the weekend. “This embodiment of community and shared activities during Ramadan creates the warmth and familiarity as if we are not in a foreign place,” said Mohamed, who endured a trying journey to reach the safety of Somalia.

Sudan descended into turmoil in 2023 following a violent power struggle. Mohamed recounts being trapped with his family for months, hearing the ominous sounds of nearby bombings. The most harrowing experience was when an explosive hit his home, causing significant damage. Despite initial fears for their safety, they survived. The conflict in Sudan has had a devastating impact, resulting in over 20,000 fatalities, a number likely underreported.
The war has internally displaced over 14 million individuals and pushed regions of Sudan to the brink of famine.