Aida and Muna Elbadri say these last few days have been a living hell ever since their homeland of Sudan erupted into chaos and bloodshed a little over a week ago.
The two sisters, who reside in Toronto, told Now Toronto in a phone interview that it hasn’t been easy watching the violence escalate and play out on their screens.
Especially knowing so many of their loved ones are stuck in Sudan with little to no way out.
The World Health Organization said on Friday that over 400 people had been killed and 3,551 injured in Sudan since the fighting broke out.
The deadly violence reportedly began on Apr. 15 in several cities, including the capital Khartoum, as powerful rival military groups fought for control, nearly throwing the entire nation into an all out civil war.
This comes after weeks of tension between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), according to the Associated Press.
“People are dying for nothing and this has been going on for years and still there’s never enough resources, never enough help,” Aida said while holding back tears, referring to her country’s history of turbulence and Canada’s lack of involvement in securing aid and helping to bring Canadian residents and citizens home quickly enough.
For her, the love she has for her community runs deep, even while living in Canada since 1998.
Aida is a member of the Sudanese Community Association of Ontario, a not-for-profit organization based in Toronto that offers programs to foster the development of the Sudanese Canadian community.
Working with children daily and having five daughters of her own, Aida shared that she can’t wrap her head around the reality of young people being pulled out of rubble following missiles being shot through homes.
She describes the feeling as gut wrenching and something no human should endure, let alone a child.
Her sister, Muna, mirrors those sentiments and has had her boots on the ground here in the city since the deadly conflict started.
She took part in a rally in downtown Toronto on Sunday to protest the war along with dozens of other protesters.
“I’m on two hours of sleep and three espresso shots today, basically doing the Canadian government’s job,” she shared.
Muna also echoes her sister in believing the Canadian government has not pulled its weight.
“As a Sudanese Canadian, I am outraged by the lack of support and resources provided to us by the Canadian government,” she said.
“It is time for them to recognize the severity of the situation and take meaningful action to protect the lives of Canadians in Sudan. We demand that empty planes going to pick up people also drop off food and medical supplies for the people of Sudan who are suffering.”
On Sunday, Justin Trudeau tweeted that Canada was “looking at every possible option to support Canadians in Sudan.”
“We are extremely concerned by the dangerous and rapidly evolving situation on the ground, and our officials are staying in contact with Canadians affected,” he continued.
He also urged all parties to agree to a ceasefire and to engage in mediation efforts with regional partners.
Unfortunately, that does little to soothe the sisters’ aches and pains.
Aida and Muna still have a laundry list of loved ones fighting to get out of Sudan right now, including their uncle’s wife along with all her children, and their cousin’s elderly parents, who visited the country recently to celebrate Ramadan and Eid.
They also said their friend who took a one year job offer is currently trapped there.
As it stands, many civilians can’t access food, water or even their own money in the bank.
“What’s happening on the ground is unacceptable, there’s a clear disregard for African life and it’s heartbreaking to witness,” Muna said, but this time, unlike her sister, she didn’t fight back her tears.
“We will not stand idly by as our families and loved ones are left in harm’s way. We will continue to speak out and demand action until our voices are heard, and meaningful change is made.”
