A family from the UK has shared their traumatic experience of being stranded in Sudan during a period of violent street battles. Sarra Eljak, along with her husband and four daughters, had traveled to Khartoum to visit family for Easter, only to become trapped when fighting broke out on April 15th between the regular army and a paramilitary force known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict arose as a result of a power struggle within the country’s military leadership.
The family feared for their lives as they heard gunshots constantly and were unable to leave. After several days, they were able to secure a spot on an RAF flight back to the UK, but they continue to worry about their parents and siblings who remain in Sudan without British passports. Ms. Eljak expressed concern that they could lose a family member at any moment due to the ongoing crisis. Her husband, Mustafa Abbas, expressed hope that the conflict would soon come to an end, stating that Sudan would ultimately pay a high price for the violence. Despite their fears, the family is now safe and grateful to be back in the UK.
