Save Sudan: Refugee and Asylum Fund

Team fundraiser

Sitreen Sinnette and Aloha Flask LLC are organizing this fundraiser.

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I am a first-generation American on my mother's side. Four boys in Sudan and Saudi Arabia and then her first daughter, me. My mother traveled, with me in tow, to the United States. I am the first-born child in the United States. My mother came to the U.S. over 37 years ago from Sudan, but her heart never left. Her family never left either. One brother died saving a young girl's life, another two from illness. Then her father passed. This pain was different. All those years and miles apart and no way to grieve properly.

In 2012 I visited Sudan. The culture, rich, and the people, kind and loving. They asked if I had culture shock, I admitted, I did not...

Their homes not fashioned for commodity, but for necessity. An outhouse 30 feet from the main house. A shower out back. A well operated by lever and bucket. The dishes washed by hand out back in the largest pot or bowl we could find. My mothers’ sister, Amira, the youngest, attempts to humble me by pointing out the lack of running water. She shows me how to retrieve more water, how to conserve, and how to do it all with grace, love, and appreciation. Not every state was like this, but hers was. And in all this, I felt like arriving here, was like coming home.

Two-three families would live together. The neighbors blessed with electricity would share it with as many as possible. The store down the street could be described as a 5x7 foot one room structure. All food is eaten “family style” and preferably by hand. Biscuits and coffee or tea are a household staple and served throughout the day.

My grandmother, Sara, strong, tall, and although blind, was the most observing person I have ever encountered. She died a few years after the first civil war; the war that was currently brewing, the war that tore the country into Sudan and South Sudan.

Sara left behind her children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces. She left behind her family, my family. Of which, five have been extricated from the new war; the war of 2023.

Can you imagine only seeing your family once in eleven years, losing three siblings, one of whom died saving a young girl from drowning, losing your father, and a few years later losing your mother? And throughout the years, you are thusly held together by hope, faith, and limited telephone communications. And now, the remainder of your family’s lives at risk daily due to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a rival military faction. Although there are other factions at play, the primary contributors to the massive number of casualties have been these two.

The war began in the Spring of 2023 following the response of the Central Reserve Police towards peaceful protesters. The tension was brewing for quite some time. The RSF organized a coup in hopes of gaining control of the Sudanese government. This is the result; tens of thousands killed, hundreds of thousands seeking refuge in neighboring countries, and millions displaced. The escalation of this thoughtless war has led to the complete desolation of several Sudanese states. The number of innocent lives taken is profound.

The people are homeless and starving with nothing left but their names. They are trying to escape the falling bombs, random shootings and robberies, home invasions, and the inability to access necessities like food, clean water, and medicine. Women and young children are unable to retrieve their basic needs.

I have their stories. I have their attention. Do they have yours?

Meet Ahmed

(my uncle, and one of the reasons I started this fund)

Ahmed has just traveled across Omdurman to be with his sister. It was a treacherous journey. Though a short distance, the journey took twice as long and took more than just time from him. The journey took his worldly possessions, his faith in his country, his safety, and his ability to speak for himself.

This war has caused many tragedies. Ahmed witnessed a young boy being struck and killed by the RSF. He describes how the boy was simply going out to get gasoline and was struck and killed. He was run down by vehicle, and then run over.

Ahmed’s doors closed and he stays hidden as much as possible. When the gunfire and bombs start, he hides under the bed. He describes the rubble as a “flattened Earth”, a “heartbreaking and unimaginable sight.” Ahmed is still in Sudan. He wanted to share his story, along with countless others (please read his remarkable story below).

When the stores shut down after being ransacked by looters and RSF members, a local small store owner agreed to help us get people out of the capital and into designated safe cities. Those cities are harder to find now, and asylum seekers are heading to Egypt. This individual agreed to help get people out, or at least get them money. During this time ‘Western Unions’ were accessible, but the banks had all shut down. Now both are shut down but direct transfers from bank member holders are allowed.

Many families have bank accounts but no money. They have no family to speak for them. They have no resources. These people are starving, homeless, and alone. These people are trapped in a dying country. Those we can reach will get assistance directly through their accounts. With hard work we have been able to disperse funds to these asylum seekers via deposit through Bank of Sudan. The system is similar to our “Zelle” system.

The ones that did manage to get out, survive on the courtesy of a host or live on the streets in a foreign country. The resources are depleted and are in dire need of food, clothing, medicine, education, and therapy services. They escaped one battle, to face yet one more. For these individuals, we also send funds. We are also in communication with local companies and organizing donation events to provide relief to refugees.

We should not abandon the innocent asylum seekers in Sudan, like Ahmed, during this dreadful time. We should not turn our heads away from assisting the refugees with necessities while they try to piece together their lives. The people are Sudan. Save Sudan.

Should you have victims in Sudan or Egypt and would like to be added to the list, please contact us.

If this cause speaks to you and you would like to contribute or assist in any way, please contact us.

Meet Ahmed

Omdurman- September 29, 2023

From the beginning to the end:

The Paramilitary have been shooting at people young and old. They have no prejudices, they’ll kill anybody. We don’t make eye contact. If you do, they threaten your life with guns and batons. “Why are you looking at me?” They shoot and kill. When we hear gunfire and bombs going off, we hide under our beds for safety. People sleep under their beds. The ones that got away left everything behind. They threaten to cut us, shoot us, beat us, break our legs. Their egos are strong and full of violence. The overhead planes, the curfews (which seem to be 24-7), throwing civilians down on the ground, threatening, the beatings and killings of innocent civilians, it’s become the norm. Anyone and everyone is a target.

The dead don’t fight back.

Some were torn from their homes by force. Some escaped. Most people tried to abandon their homes. They leave all possessions and hope to escape the brutality of the war.

The RSF members, they actively look for civilians. The civilians run and hide. When caught, they drag them through the streets, beat and break them. They break their bones, and they break their spirit. Civilians: innocent people are killed by them. People hide where they can, in the rubble, in their homes, and under their beds.

The bombs ‘rip’ the limbs off innocent people. I’ve seen it. Body parts, arms and legs detached. The Paramilitary members assault people, kick them on the streets. They take your possessions; anything of value, wallets, phones, whatever you have left of you, they will take. This has become the norm, a common occurrence.

The planes flying overhead, the violence and abusive nature of the RSF is now expected. We are in a constant state of fear. IF you talk, you die. If you fight back, you die. When confronted, we warn the people to stay quiet and to keep their heads down. Your next word can be your last word. If you lose your possessions, WHEN you lose your possessions, you’re considered lucky, because when they take you, they beat you, whip you, torture you in numerous ways. They beat you so violently that from hundreds of feet away, you can hear the screams. I have seen such things; such dark and gruesome things.

There is something I have yet to explain. You wouldn’t believe it. I am among the dead. I should be dead but here I am, alive.

You find yourself up against the wall or in a doorway with no idea as to how you got there. The loud noises and piercing sounds of gunfire shock you so that you either don’t move, or you have no idea how you were able to. The feral animals (dogs and cats) and strays, we generally stay away from. If they’re on one side of the street, we’re on the other. Now, the feral animals cling to us in fear, seeking protection. Even they are terrified. If they see you, they will run to you for help. It is strange for me to see. Even the animals are in fear. Even they fear death. And death comes for many civilians here in Omdurman.

People are buried in their homes, some on the side of the street. The bodies have been collected by hand, but most cannot be easily retrieved. Because of the various bombs used, the remains are gathered with assistance, by use of shovel. They are taken wherever possible to be laid to rest. People are now buried in elementary schools. They can’t go to cemeteries to bury their loved ones. We can’t bury the bodies we find. We can’t give them the respect they deserve. When attempting to go to the cemeteries, the RST either kick us out or kill for trying to bury your fallen. We can only do our best. If we can’t use a car to move someone, we use whatever possible. I’ve seen dead bodies on the back of motorcycles being moved for burial. Even in the outskirts, if a Hearst is used, the casket is removed by the Paramilitary, the body dumped on the ground, the family threatened by firearms and other weapons, and then removed. People aren’t able to recover the remains. So, we find other places to put our families at rest. At least, the lucky ones do. Some bodies are consumed by stray dogs.

Is this really mankind?

God was watching over us. If God wasn’t protecting us, we would be dead. I would be dead right now. I

I was in the house and while walking from one room to another, a bullet pierced through the walls and towards my head. It grazed my ear. There is a scar there now. I swear it happened. I didn’t tell my family at the time because they would be in such shock and terror. Unbelievable. They wouldn’t believe me if I told them over the phone. They needed to see my face when I told them, so I waited until I saw them in person. You see, I was on my way to the bakery, to get a piece of bread to eat (that is the entirety of the meal). I walked out of one room to the next, and I was grazed by a bullet. I walked through the hall to another room and just where I was standing, more bullets. They barely missed me. I could not believe it. As soon as I moved, another followed. Everyone is firing at civilians. You can’t tell anymore if the firing is from the Sudanese army or if it’s the RSF.

The streets are dangerous. It’s difficult to get out. Blockades to the east and west. Soldiers at every turn. It’s dangerous traveling alone. You can’t take any possessions with you, no supplies, no weapons. It’s hard being on your own on the streets during an active war.

If I had a phone, I’d show you photos and videos. We hide our possessions, especially our phones, so that they are not taken from us. We only use phones while indoors, where we can hide them.

Ahmed finally made it to his sister, Surayah’s, house in a northern area of Omdurman.

They chant and are very proud to inform us that the reason they are here, is to bring forth a democratic world.

Ahmed laughs at the irony.

The Sudanese government contracted the RSF to pressure the public (agenda). The RSF organized a coup and began recruiting from other countries for their own political gain. By the time it ends, there will be no one left.

The camels, the sheep, goats, chickens, they killed them all. This land will be completely bare.

We hear the sound of two missiles flying overhead over the phone

What was that? Those are missiles. Those are the weaker ones. There are louder and stronger missiles that fly over us. The Paramilitary is trying to take another state (where we are now), so it is progressively getting more and more violent. The Sudanese army knows about the RSF’s plans and location. We are hearing their attack. We can tell where the missiles are going and where they are coming from by direction at this point. However, the Sudanese army fires blindly- killing innocent civilians. I can hear machine guns, missiles, and grenade launchers. They have a distinct sound. Every day, we hear them overhead.

I had a contact with someone to help me pick up my passport, someone my sister, Aisha (whom is now in Egypt) knew. Get out now and find a way to pick up my passport safely later. I can pick up my passport in Port Sudan or further north at the Egyptian border. In Port Sudan, it could take days or week to receive your passport which means spending $100/day for room and board. There are currently no visas to Egypt either. Thankfully they are letting us in now, if we can make it.

Two more overhead missiles are heard in the background

We can see where they are shooting the missiles to; over to the ‘Kabri’; the major highway. It’s loud. We hear it day and night, 24-7.

In ‘Ashira’ (where I live), it is so much worse. It’s the area where missiles are shot into. It’s coming right towards you. We hear the loud explosions and tremble.

Two more missiles overhead

From Al Ashara (Ahmed’s family home) to Hinadi’s house (where he just arrived):

The trip was difficult. I had to walk. No money, no way to drive, and no one to transport me. I had to hide under rubble. It’s a two-hour walk, through an active battlefield in a treacherous city. Hiding under rubble, avoiding areas, being invisible in a place where villains hunt you, fighting the fears within you and all around, the trip ends up taking about five (5) hours. I heard militants, rioters, people on the streets...I hid. Being spotted is death. In some areas I could see the paramilitary blockades up or where they’d gather. I avoid these areas. It makes the trip daunting.

The phone line cuts off. By the end of the day, we hear he is still alive.

WHO WE’VE GOTTEN OUT (safely in Egypt)

Amira ElSharief

Hinadi ElTayib

Sara (minor)

Hazaar (minor)

NaMarit (minor)

WHO YOU’RE HELPING

Location as of October 6th, 2023

Aisha ElTayib Omdurman

Ahmed Al Majdi Omdurman

Mustafa Al Majdi Omdurman

Majdi Muhammed Omdurman

Surayah ElSharief Omdurman

Nuha ElSharief Omdurman

Nahla ElSharief Omdurman

Nahid ElSharief Omdurman

Mahmoud ElSharief Omdurman

Al Sadik Omdurman

Muhammed Al Sadik Omdurman

Sufiyan Al Sadik Omdurman

Selman Al Sadik Omdurman

Toma ElTayib Khartoum

Muhamed ElTayib Khartoum

Abdul ElTayib Khartoum

Suha Omdurman

Sennaht Omdurman

Bukri Khartoum

Muhamed Khartoum

CURRENT SAFEST CITIES TO EXTRICATE:

Port Sudan- East Coast

Atbara (NE of Omdurman) to Wad Halfa (Northern Borner to Egypt)

Passport (required to extricate) $70

Bus Ticket (required to extricate) $325

Funds Allocation and Disbursement

Your support will play a crucial role in providing immediate relief to the individuals and families affected by the ongoing crisis in Sudan. We are fully committed to transparency and ensuring that every donation makes a meaningful impact.

1. Food and Necessities: A significant portion of the funds will be allocated to providing essential food items, clean water, hygiene products, and other daily necessities to those in need. This includes supporting local markets to make these items available to the affected population.

2. Medical Assistance: Funds will also be directed toward securing medical supplies, medications, and healthcare services for those suffering from illnesses and injuries due to the conflict. Our aim is to alleviate their suffering and ensure access to proper medical care.

3. Safe Shelter: We understand the importance of shelter and safety. Some funds will go towards providing shelter for displaced families who have lost their homes. This may involve supporting existing housing facilities, setting up temporary shelters, or assisting in finding secure accommodations.

4. Education and Support: A portion of the donations will be utilized to help children continue their education and provide psychosocial support for individuals traumatized by the conflict. This includes school supplies, counseling services, and trauma-informed care.

5. Logistics and Distribution: To efficiently reach those in need, we will allocate funds for the logistical aspects of relief operations, including transportation and the safe distribution of aid in conflict-affected areas.

6. Monitoring and Reporting: We are dedicated to ensuring accountability and reporting. A portion of the funds will be utilized to monitor the distribution of aid, evaluate the impact, and provide regular updates to our generous donors.

7. Emergency Assistance: Your donations will enable us to respond rapidly to evolving situations and emerging needs, allowing us to adapt our efforts to provide timely assistance where it is needed most.

8. Administrative and Overhead Costs: To ensure your contributions have the greatest possible impact, we aim to keep administrative and overhead costs to a minimum, with a focus on maximizing resources for direct relief efforts.

Our commitment is to utilize the funds prudently and efficiently, ensuring they directly benefit the people affected by this crisis. We understand the urgency of their situation and are determined to make a positive change in their lives.

Thank you for your generous support and for joining us in this mission to make a difference in the lives of those who are suffering. Together, we can provide hope, relief, and help rebuild the future for the people of Sudan.