How I rescue people caught in Sudan’s war | Close Up

On the first day of the Sudanese war, Osham felt desperate about his country’s course.

But when thousands of people began to flee to the eastern city of Port Sudan, more than 500 miles away from the battle of Khartoum, it was clear to him that he had to help the displaced through the conflict.

“Port Sudan is like a diamond. It is the only gateway for medicine, aid and travel outside of Sudan,” Osham says as he walks the city streets in search of empty buildings for war refugees. “We don’t want anyone to be homeless or without access to food, because at the end of the day we are all Sudanese.”

Since fighting broke out in Khartoum two months ago between the country’s army and a paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces, more than 1 million people have been internally displaced. Among those who have fled their homes, many have found refuge in Port Sudan, a major seaport along the Red Sea coast that has become one of the main routes into the country.

As the international community grapples with diplomatic solutions and aid agencies shut down operations, civil solidarity on the ground and online has emerged to transform Port Sudan into a safe haven for people from across the country. Residents like Osham and volunteers from the Red Sea Emergency Initiative work tirelessly to help those trapped in Khartoum escape the war, converting empty spaces like classrooms into makeshift shelters and establishing communal kitchens and temporary medical clinics.

“War is a curse. Without peace there is no life. … We will continue to do everything we can to help our brothers.’ says Osham.

As war continues to tear families apart, our film sheds light on the lives and motivations of people who come together in the face of tragedy.

CREDITS:

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Tierney Bonini

DIRECTOR/PRODUCER: Mohamed Fawi

PRODUCER: Antonia Perello

PRODUCTION MANAGER: Mohamed Nemary

CINEMATOGRAPHER: Ahmed Mohamed Satti

DRONE MANAGER: Satti Mohamed Satti

EDITORS: Ahmed Mohamed Satti, Antonia Perello, Catherine Hallinan

SENIOR EDITOR: Donald Cameron