Nomadic life

There are various nomadic tribes in Sudan. Their way of life exists of herding the cattle from one place to another, following the path where the natural resources take them. Many of these nomadic tribes face difficulties in the current situation of the country. (see: ‘Changing Sudan threatens nomadic tribe’). The other day, I spoke to a girl whose father descends from a nomadic tribe here in the White Nile District. He was born and raised as a nomad; with the cattle as the main focus in life. At some point, when he was growing up, he decided that he wanted to live in a ‘normal’ house instead of travelling around for the rest of his life. He took the big step, even if it meant acting clearly against the will of the tribe elders and his parents. This girl spoke very proudly of her father and assured me that it hasn’t been easy for him. Fortunately, in the end, his parents accepted his new step in life and his new home gradually became a base for travelling family members who were ill and needed some extra attention and rest. Although she was very happy and proud that her father had taken this big step (-which gave her the opportunity to go to University now-), the girl spoke very positively about the nomadic lifestyle. “Just imagine…such a nice, simple, natural life! Sleeping under the stars, fresh milk everyday and the only thing you have to think about is your cattle!” It surely is, in many ways, very different from the student life she is leading now; homework, exams, meeting friends, busy schedules and living on a campus. She said that she couldn’t wait to visit her family members again and stay with them for a few days. While she was picturing herself on the field watching over the cows and camels, we both concluded that the presence of nomadic blood should clearly not be underestimated.