DOHA: The Qatari Forum for Authors organised a special session titled ‘Peace of Sudan’ campaign in solidarity with the Sudanese people in their difficult time following the devastating floods which hit the country recently.
The latest developments in Sudan and Qatar’s. efforts to provide relief to those affected by the floods were discussed in the session.
The event was attended by the Cultural Adviser at the Sudanese Embassy Dr Abd Al Ilah Abusen; Dr Abbas Al Hajj Al Amin, an expert on heritage and identity at the Ministry Culture and Sports and Awatef Abdul Latif, a writer, journalist and social activist. The session was moderated by Saleh Gharib, Programme Director of the Forum.
Humanitarian disaster
Abusen briefed the participants about the situation in Sudan after high water levels caused unexpected flooding of the Nile in different regions of the country.
He said what happened in Sudan is a humanitarian disaster, but the Sudanese people have rolled up their sleeves to overcome the after-effects which caused casualties and loss of property.
Abusen sent a message of thanks to Qatar, which he said had remained supportive of Sudan in all its adversities, as well as various countries of the world and the organisations that had come to help in a short time.
Abdul Latif said the support Sudan received from Qatar and from many countries eased the people’s anxiety and grief.
She noted what happened in Sudan is unprecedented and worsened conditions in the country, especially as it suffers from many problems on several levels and the state is in astage of construction and rebuilding.
Great efforts
Awatef thanked Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) and other groups which made great efforts to help the affected people in various regions, even small villages.
She noted the disaster and its repercussions on the ground are greater than what is reported by the media because of the extent of the destruction that affected agriculture, homes and animals.
Al Amin thanked Qatar, the people and the government for their solidarity with Sudan, and also thanked the Qatari Forum for Authors, which allowed them to discuss the dimensions of the natural disaster, and explained Qatar’s stand with the Sudanese people is not new.
“Qatar has always stood by Sudan’s side in adversity and at all times, said Al Amin, emphasising the Qatari people enjoy noble human feelings, respect for others and cooperation.
He said that the broad headline which summarising the situation of Sudan at the current stage is ‘the great disaster’ and this disaster would worsen in the coming period because Sudan is always threatened by floods in the autumn.