Amidst Unrest: A Tea Vendor's Story
Channel: AlAdwaa.Online
Date: 2023-11-22

In the heart of Sudan's Omdurman, Eatidal Hassan Ibrahim Abdallah, a 43-year-old mother of four, navigates the daily challenges of running her tea stall amidst the city's frequent violent clashes.

Eatidal starts her day early, preparing sweet dough treats and tea for her customers. Her routine, however, is often disrupted by the harsh reality of violence that erupts unpredictably in the streets.

Her small business, vital for her family's survival, struggles against the backdrop of these disturbances. "When the fights happen, no one comes to drink," she explains, highlighting the impact of violence on her livelihood. 

The sound of nearby gunfire not only threatens her income but also her safety, as she often finds herself caught in the midst of chaos.

Her narrative takes a somber turn as she recounts seeking refuge during these outbreaks. "We ran until we reached the cemetery," Eatidal recalls, painting a vivid picture of the dangers faced by civilians in conflict zones. 

This harrowing experience of fleeing to the cemetery for safety is a stark reminder of the daily perils in such unstable environments.

Beyond the immediate threats, Eatidal's concerns extend to the well-being of her children. She lives with the constant fear of returning home to find them harmed. "My feeling waking up in the morning while going to work is that I might go back home and find my kids got hit by a bullet," she shares, her words echoing the anxiety that overshadows her daily life.

Eatidal's story, though personal, reflects the broader challenges faced by many in Omdurman and across Sudan. As Eatidal continues her work, her experiences serve as a reminder of the urgent need for peace and stability in regions torn by violence.

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Interview & Editing: Rafa Renas
Animations: Medo Kagonka

This story was produced by the Al Adwaa Media and Journalism Services Centre, in collaboration with Media in Cooperation and Transition (MiCT) and the North Africa Media Academy (NAMA), and financed by the German Federal  Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).