Conflict / World

'It's just beyond description' - NZ diaspora desperate to evacuate family members from Sudan conflict

05:00 am on 1 May 2023

As the conflict in Sudan drives thousands of people to cross borders, members of the diaspora in New Zealand are trying their level best to help family members reach safety.  

This image shows a deserted street in Khartoum as fighting continues between Sudan's army and the paramilitary forces. - The Sudanese army pounded paramilitaries in the capital with air strikes on April 27, while deadly fighting flared in Darfur, with a US-brokered ceasefire in tatters in its final hours. (Photo by AFP) Photo: AFP

Since April 15 when fighting broke out between the army and the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, thousands have been fleeing the cities to reach safety.

Members of the Sudanese diaspora in New Zealand have been desperately trying to coordinate efforts to locate and relocate their family members to safety in Egypt, Saudi Arabia or Port Sudan. Many have been stuck for days either at the Egypt border or at Port Sudan hoping to get on a ship to Jeddah. 

In this episode, Kadambari Raghukumar talks to Dr Reem Abbas, Dr Ala, Rahman Bashir and Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta about the conflict in Sudan.

Listen

Listen free on Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeartRadioGoogle Podcasts or any good podcast app.

A handout picture released by the British Ministry of Defence (MOD) on April 27, 2023, and taken on April 26, shows British Nationals boarding an RAF aircraft in Sudan, for evacuation to Larnaca International Airport in Cyprus. (Photo by Arron Hoare/AFP PHOTO Photo: ARRON HOARE