Going back to South Sudan after the independence took place was deeply emotional for me because I had gone through the civil war with my family just before going to seek refuge in London.

In this quote, Alek Wek, a Sudanese-British supermodel, reflects on her emotional experience of returning to South Sudan after the country gained its independence. Having experienced the devastating effects of the civil war firsthand, Wek's return to her homeland was filled with complex emotions. She had fled the war with her family and sought refuge in London, so going back to a newly independent South Sudan symbolized both a personal and collective journey of healing and change.

The civil war in Sudan had a profound impact on many individuals and families, and Wek’s statement underscores the emotional weight of returning to a country that had undergone immense upheaval. Her words convey a sense of resilience and hope; the country’s independence brought with it not only political freedom but also the possibility of a better future for those who had suffered during the war. For Wek, going back was a moment of reconnection with her roots, a way to reconcile the past with the new reality of an independent South Sudan.

The origin of this sentiment is deeply tied to Wek’s personal history. As a young refugee, she experienced the trauma of war, displacement, and loss. When South Sudan gained independence in 2011, it marked the end of a long struggle for the people of the region. Wek’s return after the independence was not just a physical journey but an emotional one, as it represented both the country’s transformation and her own growth as an individual.

In essence, Wek’s quote captures the emotional complexity of returning to a homeland after experiencing the pain of civil war and displacement. It reflects her personal connection to South Sudan’s struggle for independence, as well as the broader sense of hope and renewal that came with the country’s newfound freedom. The quote underscores the deeply personal nature of the independence movement and its emotional impact on those who had been affected by the war.