Forced to flee, compelled to help – They were living normal lives as students, volunteers and neighbours until conflict forced them to leave all behind. But these dedicated Sudanese volunteers are still helping others

Country: Sudan Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies What connects Bashir, Teibo, and Iman is not only that they fled the same conflict. It is the fact that they know exactly what people displaced by the Sudan crisis are going through. They understand the endless waiting, the feeling of living in a sort of limbo, not being able to go forward, or to go back. They understand people’s hesitation to ask for help, and the importance of small, concrete actions—a phone call, access to water, a conversation. Supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, through its Sudan Complex Emergency appeal, these volunteers are highly trained, deeply committed and, just as importantly, based within the communities they serve. An unfinished story They all share another common trait. All three still speak of Sudan in the same way—not as a closed chapter, but as an unfinished story. Bashir hopes for a day when families will no longer need intermediaries to reconnect. Teibo points to immediate needs, but with an eye toward stability. Iman continues to help, while holding on to the idea of return. There is no clear timeline but they move forward – living everyday between what they’ve lost and what they rebuild for others. Story by Alexis Aubin, IFRC communications officer for the Sudan Complex Emergency Photos and video provided by Alexis Aubvin/IFRC, Mahmoud Omar/Sudanese Red Crescent and Bashir Mohamed/Ethiopian Red Cross, in order of appearance in this story. .

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