Earlier this month, Islamic Relief Worldwide CEO, Waseem Ahmad, paid a visit to the Alsinayeya IDP (internally displaced people) camps located in Port Sudan, meeting those displaced by the conflict to hear their stories.
A place of refuge
Port Sudan has become a place of refuge for hundreds and thousands of people from all areas of Sudan.
According to the Humanitarian Aid Commission’s (HAC) reports, the total number of internally displaced persons in Port Sudan is around 22,000, while 45,000 IDPs are being hosted by the local community.
Alsenayia IDP Camp, located in the southern sector of Port Sudan in the Red Sea State, accommodates displaced individuals from various war-affected states in Sudan.
As of 19 September 2024, the camp is home to approximately 3,750 people, including 1,320 children.
Speaking from Alsenayia camp, Waseem Ahmad said:
“I was a Project Officer in Darfur some years ago, I lived there for 7 or 8 months and compared to what I’ve seen now, it is unrecognisable.”
“When I spoke to my colleagues, the stories they told me were unbelievable. In Port Sudan, I spoke to a man he and his family were coping after being displaced, they only get to eat once a day and that meal could be some bread with a tea or coffee, that’s it.”
Since the fighting erupted in April 2023, Sudan has been transformed into a catastrophic situation that has seen more than 10 million people displaced and 15,000 people killed.
Sudan now faces the worst levels of food insecurity in its history.
A ceasefire is needed
Since the conflict started in April 2023, Islamic Relief has worked to provide aid to more than 978,500 people.
“It’s what we are here to do”, says Waseem Ahmad.
“We are here to provide as much help as possible to those in need. What is happening here in Sudan is horrific and cannot be allowed to continue.”
“There needs to be a ceasefire and humanitarian access allowed to those who need support in order to avoid widespread famine.”
Over the past 18 months we have supported health centres, supported malnourished children and pregnant women, we’ve equipped hospitals and health clinics with critical medical supplies.
We have distributed food packs, provided cash assistance, supported farmers, and provided vital support to those displaced by the violence. We have also provided thousands hygiene kits and dignity kits, along with hygiene awareness programmes to improve sanitation conditions for displaced peoples.
As the humanitarian needs continue to grow in Sudan, Islamic Relief will continue to support those the people of Sudan in their time of greatest need – but more is needed. Please help us to continue this life-saving work by donating generously today.