Meet Sudanese and South Sudanese Vegans and Vegetarians. Yes, They Exist.

All over the world, there has been a rise in veganism and vegetarianism, mostly out of compassion for animals and a personal responsibility towards sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. It is believed there are at least one billion vegetarians worldwide. Among all the countries, India ranks top with nearly 38% of the population being vegetarian because of the country’s religious beliefs.

And now, the trend has found its way to Sudan and South Sudan. The Sudanese cuisine is meat heavy and a majority of the Sudanese and South Sudanese people are carnivores or meat eaters. However, some Sudanese men and women have found ways to say no to meat. They have chosen to become vegans or vegetarians and have introduced ways to turn popular Sudanese dishes meat-free. 

Vegetarianism and veganism

Vegetarianism is the practice of eating food obtained from plants and abstaining from meat. Veganism was born out of vegetarianism, and vegans not just abstain from eating meat but also all animal products like diary, honey and eggs.

People are drawn to vegetarianism for a multitude of reasons, some of which include religion, ethical motivation, health, environmental conservation, economic factors, dislike of meat and culture.

Vegetarians and vegans generally eat a diet of grains, pulses, nuts and seeds and fruits and vegetables. Vegetarians, who are not vegans, also eat dairy products and eggs but completely abstain from meat, poultry, seafood and animal by-products like gelatine.

There are also other forms of plant-only or herbivore diets such as:

• Fruitarianism and Jain vegetarianism permit only fruit, nuts, seeds, and other plant matter that can be gathered without harming the plant. Jain vegetarianism also includes dairy, but excludes eggs, honey, and root vegetables.
• Macrobiotic diets consist mostly of whole grains and beans.
• Lacto vegetarianism includes dairy products but not eggs.
• Ovo vegetarianism includes eggs but not dairy products.
• Ovo-lacto vegetarianism (or lacto-ovo vegetarianism) includes animal products such as eggs, milk, and honey.
• Pescetarianism includes fish and possibly other forms of seafood.
• Pollo-pescetarianism includes poultry and fish, or white meat only.
• Pollotarianism includes chicken and possibly other poultry.

500 Words Magazine spoke to some Sudanese and South Sudanese vegans and vegetarians from around the world who’ve shared their story about their meat-free lifestyles. Scroll through!

Nawras Amir Hamid

Nawras Amir Hamid, 19, Student, residing in Sudan. I’ve never had beef as I never found it appealing and just the sight and smell would put me off. Six years back, I realised I didn’t like chicken either and was eating it only because I was supposed to. Also, chicken gave me indigestion, chest burns and bloating and so I decided to cut it out completely and went vegetarian. The first days or months of vegetarianism went wonderfully actually. I immediately felt better, more energised after eating as opposed to feeling tired and sleepy. I also didn’t suffer anymore from chest burns and bowel problems, my skin glowed and I felt, all together, more lively and healthy. Initially, I was confused on what to eat but after researching realised that almost everything is vegetarian-friendly. To ensure I get enough protein I include a lot of legumes like beans and chick peas in my diet. I also have peanut butter, almond milk, nuts, oatmeal, eggs, avocado and whole grains. I also take additional vitamins and iron. Given the fact that I had always been semi-vegetarian, it wasn’t so difficult to explain my new lifestyle. My friends knew I had been considering it for a while, but my family had a harder time adapting. We went back and forth a couple of times before they eventually did. I was stubborn and constantly refused to change my mind even after several attempts to convince me. Everyone, whether extended family or strangers, gives me a hard time. They question, argue, attempt to convince and there is nothing you can really do besides stand your ground and do your thing. Many also think it is religiously wrong but that’s only if it is done as a form of worship and not simply as a diet or lifestyle preference. Honestly, I only talk about it with people who are genuinely interested and want to understand it. Also, I motivate and encourage only those who potentially consider it but are hesitant, scared or don’t have enough knowledge about how to go about it. Being vegetarian is not as hard as it seems and comes with many health benefits. I think people should be more open about it and give it a chance. In addition to getting acceptance, availability of vegetarian food in Sudan is a major issue especially if you don’t cook or eat at home as there are limited to nil options in most restaurants. I enjoy most Sudanese recipes and they can actually be made vegetarian-friendly very easily. Besides, they are really healthy and nutritious too.

« ‹ of 7 › »