Life in Nyala City
Amani and Rashed lived in Nyala City, Darfur, Sudan, with their five children, aged between three and 17. Rashed, a retired army first sergeant, worked as an architectural engineer, while Amani ran a restaurant. Together, they built a home that reflected years of hard work and love.
But in April 2023, as war erupted in Sudan, everything changed. The crumbling economy forced the family to sell their cherished home to buy food. ‘I miss the house I built. When you’re at home, you’re happy,’ Amani shared
This Christmas, will you support families fleeing conflict to buy food and lifesaving supplies?
Escaping danger
By September, the family’s situation became life-threatening.
As a former army officer, Rashed was targeted by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group. One day, while Rashed was away, armed attackers came to their home. Fearing for their lives, Amani and the children fled that same day, leaving their home and memories behind.
Image credits and information
The family endured a seven-day journey by truck to South Sudan. Along the way, they were stopped by masked thieves on motorcycles, who took what little money they had.
Despite the fear and exhaustion, they eventually reached the Wedweil Refugee Settlement, where they were welcomed by Christian Aid’s partner, Smile Again Africa Development Organisation (SAADO).
Thank God the first organisation that supported us in this camp was SAADO.
A new beginning
At the refugee settlement, Amani and Rashed found immediate relief with access to water, food, shelter and sanitation. Through a financial assistance programme supported by Christian Aid and SAADO, they began rebuilding their lives.
Amani started a food stall in the settlement’s market, which grew into a thriving restaurant. The profits from her restaurant enabled her to rent land by the riverside, where she and Rashed established a farm. The farm now feeds their family, supplies the restaurant, and generates additional income through the sale of produce.
My restaurant profits enabled me to establish a farm. After renting land, we fertilised it, planted crops, and later harvested onions, greens and okra.
- Amani
Rashed, reflecting on their journey, shared: ‘In Sudan, I was an architectural engineer. Now, I work on this farm which I planted myself. It’s a big difference, but a great achievement for us.’
Image credits and information
Sign up to receive updates on our work around the world.
Finding stability and purpose
Amani and Rashed understand the importance of meeting immediate needs for refugees arriving at Wedweil, but they also recognise the value of opportunities for self-reliance.
‘May God bless SAADO,’ Rashed said. ‘Instead of relying on organisations, it’s better to work.’ Amani added, ‘If someone can do agriculture, they can stand on their own in the future.’
The impact of war
The scars of war remain for Amani and her family. Her youngest son, Badu, often mimics the sound of gunfire, a haunting reminder of what they’ve endured.
Her eldest daughter, Marwa, spoke of the friends and memories they left behind: ‘We feel safe now, but we miss the people we left in Sudan. We want to return to our country as soon as possible.’
Image credits and information
Looking ahead
Although the family longs to return to Sudan, their immediate focus is on building a future in South Sudan. Amani dreams of bringing her unwell mother to safety and ensuring her children can return to school.
‘The most critical thing right now is education for my children,' Amani said. 'It’s my dream for them to get a good education.’
With just a little support from Christian Aid’s programme, Amani and Rashed have transformed their lives. Their sustainable income protects them from hunger and builds hope for the future.
