“The attacks and the war came closer and closer to our home. We waited as long as we could, hoping it would calm down, but eventually, we had to leave.”
With a child in each hand, 24-year-old Ekram Kamis walked for three days to escape the horrors of war in Sudan. She and her children were then transported further, on a truck typically used for cattle.
Ekram is one of around 12 million people who have been displaced because of the ongoing conflict. Many are fleeing across the border to South Sudan, a country hit by the worst floods they’ve seen in decades.
These people have left their homes, jobs, friends and family – and now face further threats of famine and disease.
As the new year began, the United Nations warned that famine conditions are projected to spread throughout Sudan if humanitarian organisations cannot effectively intervene soon.
Sudan’s civil war erupted in April 2023 between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces. The violence – not only from the fighting but also attacks on women – is forcing millions to flee to other countries, where their problems continue. Many people live under fabric sheets, their only protection from rain and sun. Cholera outbreaks, food shortages, a lack of toilets and showers, and poor healthcare are constant challenges.
The knock-on effects of the war, in neighbouring countries like South Sudan, are creating the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.
Ekram never imagined she would have to leave her home and climb onto a truck heading to an unknown place. She explained: “I just arrived here after walking for three days without food or water. I am terrified of what lies ahead. My children and I are traumatised by this, and now we don’t know what awaits us.”
Following on from Christian Aid’s Christmas Appeal which highlighted the struggles of refugees in South Sudan, you may wish to support Christian Aid in its Sudan Crisis Appeal, to help more people impacted by conflict.
The Sudan Crisis Appeal provides an opportunity to respond in prayer and action. Every contribution, whether through prayer, donations, or raising awareness, helps bring hope to those in desperate need.
Money raised through this appeal will be provided to CAFOD and Norwegian Church Aid who are working on the ground in Sudan with local partners to deliver emergency support to displaced families and host communities.
In South Sudan, refugees in Wedweil resettlement camp will receive aid as well as South Sudanese returnees living near the camp, and another local organisation – Coalition for Humanity – will work through two women’s centres to raise awareness about violence against women and girls and signpost specialist support services for survivors.
To find out how you can help people like Ekram, please visit the Sudan Crisis Appeal on Christian Aid’s website.