Irish residents in Sudan are facing heartbreaking obstacles trying to get to safety to see, an Irish doctor trying to help people leave the African country has said.
People have been trying to leave Sudan since deadly fighting broke out between Sudan’s army led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the paramilitary RSF commanded by his deputy-turned-rival, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.
A ceasefire between the two sides, which ended last night, has been extended by three days but on the ground fighting has continued.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Today with Claire Byrne, Dr Aia Mohamed said many of those she is trying to help had travelled back to Sudan during Eid and it is heartbreaking to see the obstacles in the way as they try to return home to Ireland.
She said while they have valid Irish visas they do not qualify for evacuation and gave the example of one Irish doctor who cannot get out of the country.
This woman has been serving the Irish community and has her children in Irish schools, Dr Mohamed said.
“Are we saying that her humanity is only really important after she gets an Irish passport even though she is a taxpaying member of the Irish community?” she asked.
Dr Mohamed outlined how many Sudanese doctors are working in the Irish healthcare system and said they are “the backbone of the HSE.”
She said the silence from the HSE is “deafening” on this issue affecting these healthcare workers.
“Where is the HSE’s voice on all of this? I cannot understand it,” she said.
Dr Mohamed also said it is upsetting to see that Ireland is at the “mercy” of the rules of other EU member states with regards to evacuation operations.
“This seems very far away to everyone. Africa seems very far away. These troubles are far away. I am telling you they are not far away.”
