Ramadan Iftar Event 2025

Ramadan Iftar Event 2025
Eastern Sudan Community Association – ESCA
London – March 16, 2025

The Eastern Sudan Community Association in Britain held its annual Ramadan Iftar on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at the White City Centre in London’s capital. The event witnessed a wide and diverse turnout from members of the Sudanese and Eritrean communities, alongside prominent political and community figures.

A Noteworthy Community Gathering
The event was distinguished by its diverse attendance, reflecting the unity and cohesion of the community. Attendance figures were as follows:

138 men / 76 women / 26 children / 41 youth / 56 elderly attendees

Mr. Essam Suleiman, Secretary of ESCA, welcomed the attendees.

Youth Voice and the Association’s Message
On behalf of the youth, Ms. Rayan Idris gave a comprehensive presentation about the association’s goals, explaining membership procedures and encouraging everyone to participate in future programs and activities.

Objectives of the Association:

• Bridging generational and cultural gaps

• Promoting solidarity and social integration

• Preserving ancient languages and cultural heritage

• Encouraging youth participation and raising awareness

• Supporting continuous learning and skills development

Ambassador Mr. Abubakr Al-Siddiq, Sudan’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, expressed his happiness attending the iftar, saying:
"I am pleased to attend this iftar today. I commend the spirit of solidarity and unity shown between the people of Eastern Sudan and other communities. Events like this reflect the strength of our social fabric and the values we share."

Example of Food: Al Assida, a special dish of the Beja people in Eastern Sudan and one of the main historic meals.

Mr. Mohamed Al-Naeem, Secretary-General of the Sudanese Communities Union in London, emphasized the importance of organized community work, stressing its role in strengthening ties among Sudanese and promoting unity and cooperation. He mentioned that the Eastern Sudan Association is an integral part of the wider Sudanese community and has made significant contributions to achieving community peace and rejecting hate speech.

Ms. Caroline Paskell, Chair of the White City Centre, expressed her pride in hosting the event at the centre. She said she was proud of the association, which has impressed the residents of the White City area with its distinguished services that contribute to social integration among various communities and ethnic groups.

MP Rupa Huq, Member of Parliament for Ealing Central and Acton, reaffirmed her support for the community’s efforts in promoting cultural diversity. She expressed her willingness to support the association and its members residing in these areas, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and active civic engagement.

Inspiring Speeches from Prominent Guests:
Several distinguished guests delivered impactful speeches during the iftar, including:

• MP Muna Adam, Councillor for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea for the Green Party, participated via phone and praised the association’s efforts in youth support and women’s empowerment.

• Mr. Hafiz Saleh, representative of the Naseer Charity Organization, spoke about the urgent need for humanitarian work in Eastern Sudan.

• Mr. Asim Mohammed Noor, Head of the Eritrean Community in London, stressed the importance of maintaining social and cultural ties between Sudanese and Eritreans through civil society organizations.

• Mr. Ammar Hamouda, representative of the Sudanese Media Professionals Association, called for documenting this vibrant community movement.

Supportive Attendance Despite Limited Time
Despite the tight schedule, several notable supporters attended but were unable to deliver speeches, including:

• Mr. Al-Sadiq Manis, representative of the Sudanese Zaghawa Association.

• Ms. Taqwa Hamid, representative of FORWARD and Refugee Women of Bristol.

Impact of the Event on the Community
The event highlighted the positive impact of the association in:

• Enhancing social integration of the Sudanese diaspora

• Raising awareness of the cultural heritage of Eastern Sudan

• Strengthening cooperation between Sudanese, Eritrean, and host communities

• Empowering youth to integrate while preserving their identity

• Supporting development initiatives through collaborative community work

In Conclusion:
This event stood as a shining example of cultural coexistence and integration within the Sudanese community and beyond. It sent a clear message that holding on to one’s roots not only complements integration but actively strengthens it. Several young people expressed their interest in joining the association and volunteering, reflecting a promising future of engagement, inclusivity, and shared responsibility.

Another Example: Eastern Sudanese coffee is characterized by distinct rituals and tools in the folklore of the Beja people.

At the End of the Event:
Mr. Ali Khair, speaking on behalf of the Board of the Eastern Sudan Community Association, thanked the attendees and honored guests for responding to the iftar invitation. He affirmed that the association remains steadfast in pursuing its goals under the leadership of a dedicated and capable administrative team. He also highlighted the association’s ongoing efforts to build partnerships with other communities and organizations across the UK, aiming to promote development, strengthen social cohesion, and reduce social isolation.