Recent news in Sudan continues to shock and break the hearts of thousands of people, even thousands of miles away. The Sudanese-American community, like Sali’s, faces insurmountable challenges in observing the holy month of Ramadan in peace and joy.
For almost a year, a deadly conflict has claimed more than 14,790 lives, according to the non-profit organization ACLED. The situation is dire, as Sali testifies: “What’s happening in Sudan is really tragic. It’s overwhelming to think about, to be honest. We’ve lost family members, friends. And I don’t speak not even of the physical destruction of the country, but of the lives of people who have unfortunately died or who we have lost contact with and who we presume to be dead.
Despite calls for a truce, the warring paramilitaries and the Sudanese army have yet to find common ground. Sudan’s population, a third of whom face acute food insecurity, is at risk of becoming the world’s most severe hunger crisis.
During Ramadan, Muslims seek to deepen their connection with Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins. Sali expresses his dismay at this situation: “We are not supposed to be at war during Ramadan. If we think about the religious aspect, it is unthinkable. How can we think, become spiritually awake, pray , fast, when we are at war?”
The call to arm civilians and popular mobilization activities arouse the alarm of the UN Secretary General. The violence and suffering that persists in Sudan are a cry of distress that cannot be ignored.
The harrowing images of the war and humanitarian crisis in Sudan remind us of the urgency of finding peaceful and lasting solutions to end this tragedy. The stories of courage, solidarity and resilience that emerge from this dark period testify to the strength of hope and the will to survive of the affected populations.
In these dark times, it is essential to stay informed, support humanitarian efforts and advocate for justice and peace in Sudan. We can all make a difference, even thousands of miles away.