Taha's story, Sudan

I need to live with people who understand me – I found that in Romania.

My name is Taha Ahmed. I am from Sudan. I came to Romania in 2019 and applied for asylum because of problems in my country.

But I didn't get refugee status from the beginning. I was rejected many times. I applied, I was rejected, I went to court and after 4-6 months I was rejected again, then I challenged the rejection decision in a higher court, where again I was rejected.

What was your childhood like?

Yes... I don't remember it very well. I grew up in a village, not in the capital. My childhood dream was to finish college, to become a university professor, to teach people. When I grew up, it was already war. I came to the capital, Khartoum. In Khartoum, the war was less felt. Things were normal here.

Do you have brothers or sisters?

Yes, I have three brothers. My mother died, but my father is still in Sudan.

How did you come to Romania?

I came legally, then I applied for asylum.

Do you know many people coming from Sudan to Romania? What is it like for them?

Yes, I have a friend who came to Romania 3 months ago and he told me about the situation in Sudan, which is very bad. Now everything is bad in Sudan. There is no airport. Every day you fight. I know what I'm saying because I speak a lot about Sudan and for BBC Arabic.

What would happen to you if you went back to Sudan?

I don't think I can go back because I often speak on TV for BBC Arabic about the situation in Sudan. The Sudanese government knows me. If I go back, they will arrest me.

Mr. Taha, when you talk on TV, what do you say about Sudan? What is your position on what is happening?

I talk about what's happening, about fighting. Why is the government killing people? Why can't we have democracy? Why can't we have a country like this? Why do we have a dictator? One man controlling the whole country...not good.

How do you think European countries or neighboring countries can help Sudan and the people fleeing Sudan?

I think European countries can help Sudan. European countries are different, they have democracy and respect for people, not like in Africa. And you can help. You can talk about this, you can ask to stop this.

How did you choose Romania?

I need to live with people who understand me – I found that in Romania. I go to work, I come back...it's good now. I like Romania. I have been here for 3 years now and I have no problems.

Did you have the opportunity to attend a celebration in Romania?

Yes, I even went to a wedding near Timisoara. It's a small village where I have friends.

Was it difficult to find a job?

No, it's easy to find a job in Romania. I'm no longer practicing the job I had in my country, now I'm learning a new job. That's what I'm doing – I'm learning all the time and going to work in a restaurant.

And what was your job in Sudan?

In my country I worked as a political science teaching assistant. Yes, it's different. You know, in the kitchen.

It's difficult to go from university to the kitchen, isn't it? To become a waiter.

Yes

And how do you manage?

I'm trying to continue my studies because I want to become a teacher.

Have you tried to get your degree?

Yes, I'm trying, I started going to classes. University is the best thing so far, but I need to learn the language better. I'm progressing, trying every day.

I have another question. Do you have time to read?

Sometimes I read, but I read books in Arabic.

And what do you read?

I read every day about Sudan, I read books in Arabic. Today I work and then I have two days off. And when I have two days, two hours, I always read books. Quickly. But I don't have much time, when you work in a restaurant it's a lot of work. Yes, it's tiring.

Do you meet other people from Sudan in your community?

No, no.

Is that a problem?

No, not a problem. You know... I don't have much support from Sudan because I talk a lot on TV. And I don't like to talk about it all the time. I came to Romania because I want to be free. I'm not trying to upset anyone.

Do you consider yourself a happy person?

Yes. I have been happy since I came to Romania. It is one of the fairest countries. Because I have no problems here. Because I go to work, come back home, have family, have children. I simply enjoy it.

And one last question, Mr. Taha. How do you see Sudan in five years?

Yes, an important question. I don't know, but I think that in Sudan this work will not stop because there is interest in continuing the conflict. Also, we already have too many people in Sudan who do not finish college, who do not finish anything. If people do not receive respect and cannot finish their studies, people will continue to die. I think Sudan, after five years, will have the same government and the dictatorship will not end. Democracy has to wait, we need more time. We need to have education in Sudan, we need people to learn about it and only then I think it will end. Five years is not enough for Sudan.

How many then? 20 years?

Yes, I think we need about 10 years. I think. You know, sometimes it takes 50.

Anything else you would like to add? This interview will be read by Romanians. Do you have a message for them?

Yes, the first message would be for the CNRR, I have to thank you for helping me so much and doing everything for me in Romania.

And I have to thank the people of Romania for respecting me.

Thank you very much.

This story is part of the "Human Stories" collection, which illustrates the voices of refugees in our country and their unique experiences.