A hidden refuge in Sudan that the internet, banks—and war—can’t reach
A visit to the Nuba mountains provides a glimpse into the future of the country
TO GET TO Caen refugee camp in the Nuba mountains in Sudan, travel first to Juba, the capital of neighbouring South Sudan. Then catch a UN plane to fly 900km north. From there it is a day’s drive to Kauda, the de facto capital of a self-governing mountain statelet in South Kordofan state in southern Sudan. Once registered with the rebel group that runs it, drive four hours to Caen, passing through mud-brick villages along rocky crags, with no market or petrol station in sight.
Middle East & Africa January 18th 2025
- After 15 months of hell, Israel and Hamas sign a ceasefire deal
- First, the ceasefire. Next the Trump effect could upend the Middle East
- Violent jihadists are getting frustrated by the new Syria
- West African booze is becoming a luxury product
- A hidden refuge in Sudan that the internet, banks—and war—can’t reach
From the January 18th 2025 edition
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West African booze is becoming a luxury product
Female entrepreneurs are leading the charge
First, the ceasefire. Next the Trump effect could upend the Middle East
Will Israel and Donald Trump use the threat of annexation to secure a new grand bargain?
After 15 months of hell, Israel and Hamas sign a ceasefire deal
Donald Trump provided the X factor by putting heat on Binyamin Netanyahu, who insists the war isn’t over yet
Violent jihadists are getting frustrated by the new Syria
Tipsy dancers, Christmas decorations, Shias and women’s rights are in the crosshairs
America concludes genocide has been committed in Sudan—again
The move highlights the magnitude of Sudan’s civil war but does little to end it
Lebanon tries yet again to elect a new president
But it will not be easy to convince its corrupt politicians to reform