Solidarity is the key
Solidarity is the key
Mission
At UMBAJA e. V., we are dedicated to promoting equality and justice for refugees and migrants in Germany, while actively supporting education, development, democracy, and peacebuilding in Sudan.
We carry out this mission through our involvement with counseling centers and educational institutions on local, national, and international levels. Our work includes:
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Training and educating professionals working with refugees and migrants
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Hosting and participating in public events focused on refugee policy, integration, poverty, and education
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Partnering with organizations and networks that share our goals
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Contributing to critical discourse through lectures, campaigns, and publications
We also engage with NGOs and global learning institutions, helping to implement sustainable development projects that make a meaningful, long-term impact.
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Why "Umbaja"?
"Umbaja" means “trumpet” in a local Sudanese language. The name pays tribute to a Sudanese freedom fighter who was killed in 1899 during the struggle against British colonial rule. As a trumpet player and a courageous symbol of resistance, his legacy lives on in our mission for freedom, dignity, and justice. His voice, once carried by a trumpet, now echoes through our work.
Our Story
We are witnesses.
Witnesses to the human rights violations, war crimes, and genocide committed under the brutal dictatorship of Omar Al-Bashir in Sudan. We stood up. We resisted. And we take pride in having contributed to the historic revolution that led to his fall.
We are also witnesses to the experiences of refugees across Europe and the world—their journeys, their struggles, and their hopes.
On May 24, 2014, alongside fellow activists, we launched the Refugees Protest Camp in Hanover, a powerful political movement aimed at raising awareness of the dire situation in Sudan and the challenges facing refugees in Germany.
After more than a year of action and organizing, we took the next step in building a lasting platform for change. On July 28, 2015, we founded UMBAJA e. V. as a non-governmental organization to continue and strengthen our mission of advocacy, education, and human rights.
Board of Directors
Saeed Maissara
Rahma Eldouma
Yasir Abdallah
What we do?
Consultancies & Advices
We offer tailored information, guidance, and consultancy services to migrants and refugees across a wide range of topics, empowering them to navigate their new environments with confidence and clarity.
Global Learning
We design and deliver both regular and special events that engage diverse audiences in the principles and practices of Global Citizenship Education, fostering dialogue, awareness, and transformative learning.
Advocacy
Our work is dedicated to shaping and influencing policy and institutional decisions in the political, economic, and social spheres—particularly those impacting the integration and inclusion of migrants.
Networking
We support refugees and migrants in building meaningful personal and professional connections, helping them cultivate networks that contribute to their growth, stability, and sense of belonging.
Principles
Poverty and Economic Empowerment
With poverty impacting over 40%—likely over 80%—of Sudanese, UMBAJA views economic empowerment as essential. Poverty fuels injustice and limits freedom. Addressing it is not charity, but strategy. We prioritize dignity, autonomy, and sustainable development to help communities recover from decades of repression and build a resilient future.
Gender Equality and Justice
Under Sudan’s authoritarian regime, systemic oppression distorted gender roles, framing women’s freedom as cultural threat. UMBAJA challenges these harmful norms by placing women at the heart of transformation—affirming that gender justice is not only a human right but essential for peace, security, and a truly liberated Sudan.
Learning from African Democracies
Democracy is not a Western import—it thrives across Africa. UMBAJA rejects colonial myths and embraces peer learning from African nations with vibrant democracies. We believe Sudan can find its own democratic path by engaging with regional successes, exchanging experiences, and fostering homegrown, culturally rooted models of governance.
Commitment to Sustainability
Lasting change demands sustainable solutions. UMBAJA integrates social, economic, and environmental sustainability into every project. We align local realities with global goals, recognizing that only long-term, balanced strategies can repair historical harm and foster enduring progress. Sustainability is not an option—it is our foundation for meaningful transformation.
