Durban expat teaching in unrest-hit Sudan 'terrified'

Durban expat teaching in unrest-hit Sudan 'terrified'

A Durban woman says she is worried sick about the safety of her daughter, who is in Khartoum, where there's been intense fighting between the army and paramilitary forces.

Durban expat teaching in unrest-hit Sudan 'terrified' Danielle
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The Sudanese capital has been rocked by heavy gunfire and explosions since Saturday after weeks of power struggles between the two generals who seized power in a 2021 coup.


It's left at least 200 people dead.


READ: UN chief calls for Sudan ceasefire as death toll hits 185

 

"She is terrified. She hasn't had any sleep for two days. This morning she sent me a message - she was able to get some sleep because it was a bit calm but it started again at 3 o'clock this morning. She sent me a video, she can see the smoke, hear the gunfire and the jets that are flying over,” says Megan Boyles 

 

Boyles says her 27-year-old daughter Danielle is teaching in the north-east African country. 

 

"I have been having sleepless nights as well because every time I have to see my phone to check for any messages from her and even when I do send a message and on WhatsApp and I see one tick, I get worried and I start panicking. I told her every hour she had to keep in contact with me so that I know she is okay." 


ALSO READ: Sudan capital hit by blasts as deadly conflict enters fourth day

 

Clayson Monyela, who speaks for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, says because of the fighting, most embassies have shut.

 

"Our people, to be of assistance to South Africans would not be pragmatic, so families who have got family members in Sudan, the best advice would be to tell them to stay in doors until calm has returned."

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