A SUDANESE doctor ‘terrified’ by the outbreak of war is appealing to Islanders to support the conflict-stricken African country.
Dirby Osman (65) splits his time between working at a hospital in the nation’s capital, Khartoum, and with his family in Jersey.
Dr Osman has family members in Sudan, including a ten-year-old nephew, who he said was hit in the leg by a stray bullet during the ongoing conflict.
Violence has erupted in the country between its military and main paramilitary force in recent weeks, with the clashes leaving hundreds dead and thousands fleeing for safety.
Dr Osman is appealing for Islanders to donate to the International Red Cross Committee’s Sudan Appeal, to support a front-line response to the crisis.
Dr Osman recalled his reaction when war broke out on 15 April. At the time, he was in Jersey spending time with family.
‘I was terrified. [The outbreak of war] happened in the place where I worked,’ he said.
‘The top of the building where I worked is being used as a base for snipers. They are shooting from the top of the hospital.’
All flights in and out of Sudan have been suspended as a result of the conflict.
Dr Osman added: ‘Millions of people remain trapped in Khartoum. They have little access to medical supplies, food, water and fuel. Most of my family have managed to flee [from] the capital to Cairo, but it’s tragic to see how the situation is changing for the worst.
‘One of my brothers and his seven kids had just reached safety after being stuck in Khartoum when my nephew was shot in the leg.
‘We’ve been hearing a lot about evacuations for many people who hold British or American passports, and this is obviously only good news, but a lot of people just like my nephew and family are still stuck in an intense fighting zone, with little help from the outside.’
Islanders can support by donating to a JustGiving page, with funds going directly towards the Sudan Appeal.
‘I have seen already in recent times how generous Islanders can be when people most need help,’ said Dr Osman. ‘I have already been approached by many people in Jersey asking what they can do at this difficult time for Sudan.
‘We have set up the fund so that Islanders can contribute to a trusted source who are providing on-the-ground support to people who need it most.
‘Any contribution will go a long way to helping those most affected by the fighting.’
– To donate visit: justgiving.com/page/jersey-sudan-appeal.
