Daw Mohamed last saw his mother in October 2022, six months before Sudan descended into full-scale civil war. For nearly three years, he feared for her safety while working in some of the world’s most dangerous humanitarian settings. Born in a small farming village in West Kordofan, Mohamed’s family remained trapped in a conflict zone as Sudan plunged into war in April 2023. Power struggles between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces displaced millions, creating what the United Nations has called the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Over 12 million people fled their homes, more than 7 million were internally displaced, and over 150,000 were killed, leaving more than 30 million in urgent need of aid.
Despite the personal anguish, Mohamed remained committed to humanitarian work. A veteran CARE staff member, he has served in Afghanistan, Somalia, Yemen, Gaza, and Syria, assisting communities recovering from conflict and crisis. His career began in Sudan during devastating droughts in the mid-1980s, where he provided food, medicine, and healthcare to malnourished children and vulnerable families. His dedication to CARE and concern for his mother sustained his long career in aid work.
In late 2025, as his Syrian assignment ended, Mohamed immediately traveled back to Sudan to reunite with his mother. The journey from Port Sudan to El-Obeid, where his family had relocated, took seven days instead of the usual one, complicated by conflict, armed checkpoints, and widespread insecurity. At one checkpoint, he was interrogated for hours by armed youths who suspected him of spying due to his dual Sudanese-American citizenship. Mohamed remained calm, using dialogue and empathy to gain their trust and continue his journey.
The reunion with his mother was emotional and long-awaited. They spent three weeks together, talking, laughing, and recovering from years of separation. Mohamed also witnessed the profound suffering caused by the war, with women searching for minimal food and families living without electricity or running water. CARE continues to provide essential services in Sudan, including drinking water, sanitation, food aid, and healthcare, with targeted support for women and girls at heightened risk of exploitation.
Reflecting on the crisis, Mohamed expressed concern that a divided Sudan could destabilize the region. He remains hopeful for peace, drawing strength from his faith and daily prayers for his family and country. The story highlights the human toll of conflict, the resilience of families, and the critical role of humanitarian workers in supporting communities during prolonged crises.
