“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

And so, on this night, we chose not to be silent.

On a cold November night, families from Sudan and across Belfast’s migrant communities came together with friends, politicians, activists, artists, and young people — all united by one shared purpose: to stand with Sudan.

For many of the Sudanese organisers, this was not just an event. It was personal. We have lived through wars before, survived dictatorships, witnessed destruction, and carried the pain of displacement long before arriving in Belfast. The memories of conflict are not distant history for us — they are part of our lives, our families, and our stories. And on this night, we gathered to honour Sudan, to speak the truth, and to refuse silence.

The idea for this event was born in the days following the latest devastating attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on El-Fashir — an attack that resulted in genocide, the mass killing of innocent people, the targeting of entire communities, and horrific violence carried out while the world looked away. In the face of such brutality, organisers came together with a clear commitment: to honour Sudan, to centre Sudanese voices, and to refuse silence.

The ongoing war between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) continues to tear through the country — a war fuelled not only by internal conflict but also by external actors, including the United Arab Emirates, which has supplied funding and weapons to the RSF, and the United Kingdom, whose arms sales to the UAE contribute to the cycle of violence devastating Sudanese civilians.

Preparing for a Night of Memory, Art, and Resistance

Over the past two weeks, organisers and young people worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. Young people rehearsed the silent play four times in Anaka’s studio after 6pm — practising for hours each night, shaping every gesture, every moment of silence, every emotional shift. Two days before the event, final preparations took place inside Redeemer Central: testing the sound, checking the projector, adjusting lighting, preparing the stage, arranging the Sudan map, and placing the exhibition around the hall.

Organisers from Anaka and PPR prepared the hall, seating, technical setup, displays, photos, and materials. Volunteers joined in carrying equipment, assembling stands, and making sure the space was welcoming, safe, and filled with care. The organising team also received generous support from Redeemer Central — with Dan and Gavin, the venue’s sound engineer, providing technical help, equipment setup, and their warm welcome, as Redeemer always does.

On the night itself, many Sudanese attendees arrived wearing traditional clothing. The room was full of colour, culture, and pride — from Sudanese jewellery and fabrics to the different regional styles that reflect Sudan’s diversity. The Sudanese organisers and performers chose to wear the traditional white toub — a garment historically worn by Sudanese teachers, working women, and women in public roles. It symbolised dignity, professionalism, and strength, serving as a quiet tribute to the generations of Sudanese women who have led, resisted, and rebuilt through every era of struggle. This was a night built by community effort, love, and determination.