Mary Juan Pierino moved from Sudan to the UK in 1988 with her husband and son. At that time, Sudan was still a unified country. However, in 2011, Sudan was divided into two nations and now Mary refers to her homeland as South Sudan.
Mary’s journey to the UK was straightforward; she followed her husband, who came to pursue a master’s degree. Mary recalls, “People were friendly and welcoming. Life was simpler in the ’80s, with less identity politics.”
As her husband Wani continued his studies, eventually pursuing a PhD, the conflict in South Sudan escalated. Consequently, the family decided to remain in the UK until the fighting ceased.
Mary explains, “South Sudan is plagued by tribal fighting, land grabbing, power struggles and barriers to employment. There is immense suffering, with thousands of internally displaced people and many fleeing to neighbouring countries. People are starving; my friend, only 40 years old, died of starvation three weeks ago. I speak to relatives who tell me they can go all day having only drunk a cup of tea. I’m helpless to do anything for them.”
Faced with starvation or a perilous journey to the UK through Egypt, Libya, and Europe, many South Sudanese risk their lives on boats. As Somali-British writer Warsan Shire poignantly put it, “No one puts their children in a boat unless the water is safer than the land”.
Mary notes that people come to the UK because they have connections and it’s known for its human rights reputation and protective laws. Unlike in the 1980s when Mary arrived, there are now no visas available for those escaping famine and war in South Sudan. They have no choice but to risk the dangerous boat journeys.
Regarding the future, Mary observes, “Generation Z has started demonstrating in Kenya, rising up. I hope this movement reaches South Sudan. We must forget tribalism and work together to rebuild the country. The people in power are corrupt and resistant to change; the people need to unite.”
If nothing changes, Mary fears the worst. “I’m afraid that so many more people will die, like in Rwanda. It’s looming. The world has forgotten South Sudan and Sudan, as other problems closer to home occupy their attention.”
In 2005, Mary’s husband Wani moved back to Sudan to work and prepare for the family’s return. However, after the country divided, he found himself with nowhere to go. He couldn’t stay in the North and didn’t want to live in the South with its tribal politics. Wani moved to Ethiopia to lecture at a university, where he spoke out against injustices in South Sudan. In 2015, Mary received news of his death, which she believes was caused by poisoning due to his outspoken views. Before his death, Mary and Wani had planned to return to South Sudan and be closer to their family in retirement. Now, Mary is alone in her house in Berkshire, struggling with health challenges from lupus. Returning to South Sudan seems unlikely, but she holds onto hope that “a glimmer of light will return to her home country and there will be peace.”
“I really miss home, but I’m safe here. There’s security.”
Mary is a regular performer with our partner Rank & File Theatre. Rank & File is passionate about working with socially disadvantaged groups and are committed to long-term engagement with specific communities, to develop skills, explore their potential and make political and social change happen through performance. For more information on their upcoming projects click here. (photo credited to R&F Theatre).
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