Sudanese community members in Waterloo region comfort each other, worrying about family back home
Local Sudanese Canadian Association plans rally this weekend, fundraising to buy food and medicine
For members of the Sudanese community in Ontario's Waterloo region, the last 11 days have been difficult and filled with worry.
News of the violence back home has impacted Kitchener resident Ida Abdalla so much that she says she hasn't been able to go to work.
"I took [time] off because I can't. At work I can't concentrate on my work," she told CBC News.
Abdalla has family members living in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum, an area that has seen airstrikes and concentrated violence.
Battles between the Sudanese army and rival paramilitary group have raged in and around Khartoum, and throughout the African country, since April 15. Many people there haven't been able to leave their homes or get out of the city to safer areas.
Abdalla said constant power and internet outages in Khartoum makes it difficult to check in on family. Either way, she said, she is always checking her phone for any updates.
"Every minute, you know? Every minute," she said.
Waterloo region is home to over 700 Sudanese people and their families.
Elbagir Adbulkarim, president of the Sudanese Canadian Association Waterloo Wellington, said it's a difficult time for members of his community, and he and others feel helpless.
"There are many who have lost some of their family members due to this war and [have] some people who were injured. They feel bad," Adbulkarim told CBC News.
"We are one nation, so we care about each other. When you see someone is dying, that is terrifying and that is impacting us mentally and physically to see our kids suffering there."
Abdulkarim has his mother, a brother and five sisters in Sudan. He said they are living in unsafe conditions and haven't been able to leave their homes.
He said his family and others in Khartoum are running out food and water and don't have access to basic needs. A nationwide ceasefire was declared Monday, but it's only expected to last 72 hours hours.
Abdulkarim said no humanitarian aid or medicine have been able to get into the country. He said as an organization, they are starting a fundraiser to purchase medical supplies and food to send to Sudan when it becomes possible.
'Our strength comes from our unity'
Many in the local Sudanese community have found comfort and support in one another during this difficult time, said Reela Eltahir, a 20-year-old who has friends and extended family living in Sudan.
"The thing with Sudanese people and the Sudanese community here is that we recognize our strength comes from our unity and our togetherness."
That unity here in Canada and in Sudan is helping her get through these tough days, and giving her hope, she said.
"The communication and networking is literally keeping people alive, and that's just amazing to see," she said. "And they are doing this while they are heartbroken, devastated and afraid for their lives. I think that's just beautiful."
Ultimately, Eltahir, Abdulkarim and Abdalla want the conflict in Sudan to end.
"We want the conflict to end and rest so people can get back to their lives," Abdulkarim said.
Eltahir, Abdulkarim and Abdalla were at a rally on Sunday in Toronto that included calls for the Canadian government to do more to help civilians trapped in Sudan.
Abdulkarim said the organization is working on hosting a similar rally this weekend in Kitchener.
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