×
  • World - Africa
  • Updated: May 14, 2023

Sudan: Citizens Flee Country As Fighting Enters Fifth Week

Sudan: Citizens Flee Country As Fighting Enters Fifth Week

Sudanese Crowds a border.

As fighting in Sudan entered a fifth week, Sudanese citizens keep fleeing the country in large numbers.  

Airstrikes pummelled Khartoum on Saturday, even as representatives of the country's warring factions continued meeting in Saudi Arabia for talks to prevent a "humanitarian catastrophe".

Every day, more families arrive at the Argeen border with Egypt, making the 1,000-kilometer journey through the desert from Khartoum in search of refuge.

However, not everyone has the financial wherewithal to go.

"A bus ticket costs $250 per person. Then there are the official tariffs on both sides of the border, as well as the rent for a place to live in Egypt.

"Not everyone can afford it; it's a large expense," evacuee Wahag Gafar Ibrahim explained.

She described the journey as "really tiring and scary," adding that her country's war has "affected everyone."

Another issue is that they do not have a passport that allows them to enter Egypt.

"Some families lost their passports during the conflict or are unable to obtain one.

"They are in the midst of a battle zone. "I hope they find someone to assist them in fleeing," said Sudanese bus owner Ayman Mohamed.

The most recent arrivals in Egypt are among the over 200,000 people who have fled Sudan, in addition to the hundreds of thousands who have been internally displaced.

They're carrying small luggage, which is all they have from their previous lives, as Ibrahim stated.

"There is no solution. I don’t see a solution. The Rapid Support Forces won’t surrender and the army is unable to change the situation.

"And we are lost between them. We left our homes, families, papers, diplomas, and interests. We left our country."

According to the UN, over 500,000 people have fled Khartoum alone, with hospitals bombarded and rampant looting reported as inhabitants face chronic food, electricity, and medicine shortages.

After several truces were broken in recent weeks, hopes for a ceasefire remain slim.

Sudan called on the international community, including the United Nations, the African Union, and other regional organizations, "to provide humanitarian assistance" on Saturday.

The administration stated that it was committed to "dedicating Port Sudan's port and airports" on the Red Sea, Dongola airport in the country's north, and Wadi Seidna air base near the capital to receiving supplies.

As aid agencies have been systematically plundered and at least 18 humanitarian workers have been killed, civilians and aid groups have repeatedly appealed for humanitarian corridors to receive crucial assistance.

Related Topics

Join our Telegram platform to get news update Join Now

0 Comment(s)

See this post in...

Notice

We have selected third parties to use cookies for technical purposes as specified in the Cookie Policy. Use the “Accept All” button to consent or “Customize” button to set your cookie tracking settings