Sudan’s humanitarian workers continue to show up for their people
The sound of gunfire and heavy artillery shook Mohammed Gimish's house in Khartoum. Gimish, a national coordinator with OCHA did not let fear overpower him and kept checking up on colleagues. That was three years ago, and the war had just erupted in Sudan.
Gimish is one of three OCHA national staff members in Sudan that OCHA’s Lea Ruivo followed up on recently. The staff members’ families remain displaced. Yet they continue to remain in Sudan and deliver to their communities. The staff members spoke to Ruivo about what continues to motivate them.
“For me, it is about showing up, serving others no matter what you’re going through”, said Gimish, and added, “and believing that changing someone’s life for the better is possible.”
He last saw his family, who have been stationed at a safe location, a year ago.
“My family and I went through a lot, but I still – and will always – hold onto my belief that purpose is my guiding force. And my work as a humanitarian reinforces this belief every day.”
“Sudan’s spirit is not broken”
Ghada Nsreldeen was on enroute to Blue Nile State, when the conflict broke out in Khartoum — where her family was. Despite the terror and anxiety that gripped her, Nsreldeen continued to work focused on delivering aid to communities.
Three years later, she remains Sudan, while her family has relocated to a safer location.
"Sudanese people’s resilience is not just inspiring - it is a daily reminder that Sudan’s spirit is not broken”, she shared. “They are still standing, still trying, still believing, rebuilding what they can, supporting one another, and holding onto dignity with a strength that humbles all of us. And because of them, I continue to carry hope.”
“Puts my challenges into perspective”
Three years ago, on 16 April, Nasir Abdalla, woke up to the sound of gunfire in Kassala State. As the head of the office in the location at the time, he checked up on colleagues. He organized to relocate a female colleague stationed close to the conflict area.
Abdalla’s family has relocated to a safe location, and he has only seen them twice since then. He continues to work in the front line where drone attacks are the new threat.
But when he sees people “who have lost everything – their homes, their livelihoods”, their “struggles put my own challenges into perspective.”
“It motivates me to focus on helping and supporting others, and to play a role - no matter how small - in easing their suffering.”
Like his colleagues, he hopes for the “senseless war to end. And “that families scattered across the country can reunite, and that the Sudanese people can finally enjoy some much deserved stability and peace.”
Last year’s funding cuts have significantly affected OCHA’s operations and led to the closure of some programmes including food assistance and the loss of partners.
You can support the restoration of some of these services.