CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE

On 19 June, MAF carried out a flight for Citizen’s Call bringing medical supplies to Renk and refugees back to Juba. One of the passengers required urgent medical attention after she was caught in the crossfire fleeing from the war in khanoum.

The woman being lifted carefully from the plane at Juba International Airport, is a refugee from the war in Sudan. She sustained a wound to the leg a few days ago when was caught in the crossfire fleeing from Khartoum. Despite her terrible injuries, she made the journey to the border town of Wounthou/Juda where she crossed into South Sudan at the border town of Renk accompanied by her small son. He stands timidly off to one side watching as the dispatch team manoeuvre her as gently as they can into the waiting ambulance. He climbs in beside her and they are taken to Juba Teach hospital where her injuries can be treated and they can be reunited with family members here in Juba.

Pilot Andy MacDonald flew the 6 hour round trip with the patient and 10 other refugees, on behalf of Citizen’s Call, a coalition of South Sudanese individuals who are aiding South Sudanese refugees leaving Sudan. Hers is just one of many heart-breaking stories. Everyday, thousands of people are arriving at South Sudan’s borders fleeing the conflict that erupted in Sudan’s capital Khartoum on 15 April. Many of these people have experienced or witnessed terrible things including rape. Many more people are still trapped in the besieged capital, being targeted by airstrikes, without sufficient food, and water and unable to leave.

After their ordeal of escape, new arrivals in Renk, are faced with appalling condition in the camps set up to receive them. Inadequate food, shelter, healthcare, water, toilet and washing facilities mean there is real suffering in the camps. There are almost daily reports of children dying from preventable causes including hunger and dehydration. The UN have received just 10% of the USD $96 million they need to respond. The refugees fleeing this crisis feel forgotten by the outside world.

Story by Mandy Glass

Hope for the isolated.