Ayoub Sidick Adam

Ayoub Sidick Adam was born in South Darfur State, Sudan, in 1986. In 2003, he was forced to flee his homeland due to persecution by Janjaweed militia, which targeted his family and community. Seeking refuge, he and his family fled to Eastern Chad, where they lived in a camp separated from the native population. The camp’s conditions were rudimentary, with homes made of basic local materials, worn clothing, and open-area toilets. These camps lacked essential resources, exposing residents to potential health crises. While humanitarian organizations offered support, their aid typically focused on providing basic food and water, which was often insufficient for the large families who had lived there for extended periods. Educational opportunities were limited, employment was scarce, and a sense of purposelessness affected many young people. In response, Ayoub decided to become a refugee youth leader, advocating for improved living conditions.

In 2011, Ayoub traveled to South Sudan to further his education, especially in English. He studied at Cambridge International College and Oxford Institute in Juba, focusing on English language, computer science, and NGO management. Upon returning to Chad in 2016, he became one of the few English teachers at the camp school and established the Community College for Languages, where he served as a lead instructor. He also worked as an interpreter for UNHCR and took on roles informing the refugee community of their rights, ultimately becoming the general secretary of the camp leaders’ committee.

However, after his return from South Sudan, Ayoub faced false accusations of converting to Christianity—a claim that stemmed from misunderstandings in the camp. Born and raised as a Muslim, Ayoub found these accusations unfounded and deeply distressing. His ethnic background made him particularly vulnerable, and threats from a former camp leader put his safety at risk. In 2018, his house was set on fire, and fear of further retaliation limited his participation in community meetings and training sessions. The constant fear and lack of security disrupted his life and commitment to serving his community.

In 2021, driven by fear and a desire for stability, Ayoub left the camp, journeyed across the desert to Libya, and eventually arrived in Tripoli. Shortly after his arrival, he was arrested and detained in Tariq El-Sekka prison, where he endured forced labor before escaping. He then joined a peaceful movement in Gargaresh advocating for refugee rights in Libya. During a subsequent raid in Gargaresh, He joined the 100-day peaceful protest outside the UNHCR office in Tripoli’s Al-Sarraj neighborhood, seeking recognition and safety. This protest led to his arrest and an 18-month detention in Ain Zara Detention Center, from which he was released in July 2023.

Following his release, Ayoub attempted a perilous journey, crossing into Tunisia, where he was detained again in Asaa Prison. Undeterred, he made several attempts to cross the Mediterranean Sea and ultimately reached Europe in October 2023. Now in France, Ayoub continues to advocate passionately for the rights and dignity of refugees.