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

Sarah Fayad, 26 Years old, Education Program Manager, residing in Qatar. Eight years ago, I was watching a documentary on farm factories that made me realise that though we have been raised to eat halal meat which meant animals killed in a humane manner, there has been no education on how the animals we eat are raised. From the documentary and my consequent research, I realised that the animals are raised in horrible, inhuman conditions and that it actually affects the quality of the meat we consume. For example, cows that are fed corn (to become fatter) develop a specific type of bacteria in their stomach that would have to be eliminated using chemicals such as ammonia and antibiotics, which is then fed to people as well-done steak. It is similar with chicken injected with hormones, and fish farmed in polluted fish farms. At that point, I decided to not consume animal meat or animal products for health, moral and religious reasons. I do not recall a time where I struggled or wanted to eat meat. I was never much of a meat eater, I indulged in the occasional chicken burger, but was never a fan of meat. I have consumed meat primary through Sudanese dishes like molah with kisra, makrona belmashamil, salega etc. Therefore, my transition was not that difficult. But, as a vegan, dining out was a challenge. I realised that most waiters, for instance, have no idea about the ingredients in the food they are serving. My parents were somewhat supportive. And even though my mum thought it was a phase, she tried to accommodate to my diet. As I grew older and read more about factory animal production, my belief in veganism became stronger, and talking to my immediate family was not that difficult. My parents and siblings understood my rationale and my mother started to innovate and turn Sudanese dishes vegan. Slowly, my family also started eating vegetarian dishes as it was healthier for my dad who had blood pressure, and thanks to my mum’s impeccable cooking skills, my sisters did not taste any difference. Going to Sudan was a whole different story. My extended family did not understand what I was doing, and on many occasions, I had to eat meat so as not to embarrass the host. Now I am clearer in stating my choice and prefer not to go to a gathering where I have not informed ahead of time that I do not eat meat. When I first turned vegan, for over two years, I survived on salads, fava beans, potatoes and whatever vegan products I could find in the supermarkets. At the time, Qatar did not cater much to vegans and I decided to introduce animal products into my diet so as to have more options. Following a vegan diet in Qatar is also more expensive as I had to get special milk, bread, pasta and stock. Being vegetarian gave me more options. However, over the last three years, I started learning more about food and as I became more financially independent, I started buying more vegan products and experimenting with recipes. Currently my diet is more vegan and I drink coconut milk, eat tofu and Quorn (a meat substitute) with rice and vegetables. I avoid cake and ice cream, and eat more fruits. I still get the occasional jokes about my diet, but my immediate family and friends are very accepting. I do believe that more people are becoming conscious of the dangers of red meat and animal products and try to have more plant-based meals. I don’t really believe in the notion that a certain lifestyle is not for everyone, anyone who chooses to be vegetarian or vegan can be one. But I certainly do not preach. I take my lifestyle as a personal protest against a capitalistic economy that is abusing animals and in the process human beings by feeding them unhealthy meat. However, if someone asks me the reasons behind being vegetation, I honestly am more than willing to suggest books and videos to watch, but I do not go around trying to convert others to vegetarianism. I also do not mind cooking meat, or eating at the same table where it is being served. Most Sudanese people are afraid to experiment and usually judge something without trying it. For instance, no one believes that I can make vegan molah tagaleea that tastes similar to the one with meat, and without tasting it they make fun of it and me in the process. They also believe that without meat you cannot actually make Sudanese food, which is completely untrue. This reflects our society’s trait where we refuse to accept different identities or lifestyle choices and are fast to label them un-Sudanese. I think with my mother’s innovation and cooking skills, I have made many vegan/ vegetation Sudanese dishes: Molahs, meatless meatballs, different pastas with sauces, molokhya with rice and many more.