by Nyabang Diang
The Sudan crisis of 2023 is a tragic conflict that has been brewing for years, rooted in the oppressive rule of dictator Omar al-Bashir in the 1980s. Although Bashir was overthrown in 2019, the country has since struggled to establish stability. In April 2023, the crisis reached a critical point as rival factions of the military government clashed, spreading violence across Khartoum and the Darfur region.
This conflict has had a devastating impact on the Sudanese people. Thousands have lost their lives, and millions have been forced to leave their homes. The country faces a humanitarian crisis, with shortages of food and limited access to healthcare.
While the international response has been slow, there are glimmers of hope. The United Nations has called for an end to the fighting, and the African Union has deployed a peacekeeping force. Yet, it remains uncertain whether these efforts will be sufficient to bring about lasting peace.
Let me share the story of my family, the Lams, who have been deeply affected by the Sudan crisis. The Lams used to call Khartoum their home, where they lived with their eight children. However, due to the conflict, they have been displaced multiple times. The conflict took place on April 15, 2023 in Khartmoun Sudan the capital where my family lived. Due to the heavy airstrikes, my family fled the capital on April 24, 2023, after our relatives were killed. They have sought refuge in camps and makeshift shelters, witnessing firsthand the violence that has taken lives and destroyed homes and businesses. Currently, they find themselves in Northern Sudan, near the White Nile, living in a small, rundown shack with poor conditions.
“It’s the way of life. Good day, bad (day), and life goes on. God is with us.”
– Nyabiew Lam (oldest daughter of the Lam family)
Despite the hardships they have endured, the Lams family remains resilient and hopeful. They believe that one day the conflict will end, allowing them to return to their beloved home. Their unwavering hope extends to the future of their children, envisioning a better life for them.
In the face of adversity, the Lams inspire us all with their strength and optimism. They remind us of the power of hope and the human spirit to persevere even in the darkest of times. As their story unfolds, we can only hope for a resolution to the Sudan crisis that will bring lasting peace and enable families like the Lams to rebuild their lives with dignity and security.
Amidst the Sudan crisis, the Lams family represents countless others affected by its devastation. Though the conflict has taken its toll, hope persists for a brighter future.
Resources:
Sudan Relief Fund https://sdnrlf.com/
Islamic Relief USA: Sudan Emergency – Send Aid to Families in need https://irusa.org/sudan/
UNHCR https://donate.unhcr.org/int/en/south-sudan-emergency
Rescue.org https://www.rescue.org/article/fighting-sudan-what-you-need-know-about-crisis
UNICEF https://www.unicefusa.org/press/escalating-violence-sudan-puts-millions-children-risk
International Crisis Group https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/horn-africa/south-sudan
AlJazeera https://www.aljazeera.com/where/sudan/
