Cairo, 2013. A Sudanese journalist asked me to meet with a Sudanese refugee in one of the bars of downtown Cairo. Back then, I lived and worked in Cairo.
The refugee was a young man, with the name Mubarak, an Arabic name meaning "the blessed".
When he told me his story, his life appeared not to be blessed at all. A soldier who deserted, he tried to flee Sudan three times after he refused to execute an order to kill someone.
Twice he was caught, put in prison and tortured. ...
Enjoy access to all articles and 25 years of archives, comment and gift articles. Become a member for as low as €1,75 per week.
Already a member? LoginKoert Debeuf is editor-in-chief of EUobserver.